Benjamin Stripped Shroud Screw on Benjamin Bulldog M357

[Ezana4CE]

Here we go again! This is frustrating. I went though this same thing a couple of years back on my first Bulldog, except it was the shroud screw toward the breech the first instance. See post #18 here https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...ons-and-fixes-to-benjamin-bulldog-357.922086/
Learned my lesson that time. On that occasion I stripped the screw and then marred the shroud cutting slots into the screw head with small hand files and a dremel tool.

This time on my new M357, I was attempting to disassemble the rifle to install a depinger and pic rail adapter. When I got down to the last few screws, one was stripped. I cannot remove the shroud without removing the screw pictured below. This is a PITA

The one toward the breech removed easily and here’s how the shroud looked beneath and around it.

This is the first time I’ve done anything to this rifle other than shoot it. Now I have to cut slots into the damned screw to remove it. I have contacted the seller about this as well.
I will just have to shoot it as is for now.

 

[markhooper]

Here we go again! This is frustrating. I went though this same thing a couple of years back on my first Bulldog, except it was the shroud screw toward the breech the first instance. See post #18 here https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...ons-and-fixes-to-benjamin-bulldog-357.922086/
Learned my lesson that time. On that occasion I stripped the screw and then marred the shroud cutting slots into the screw head with small hand files and a dremel tool.

This time on my new M357, I was attempting to disassemble the rifle to install a depinger and pic rail adapter. When I got down to the last few screws, one was stripped. I cannot remove the shroud without removing the screw pictured below. This is a PITA
View attachment 385979

The one toward the breech removed easily and here’s how the shroud looked beneath and around it.
View attachment 385980

This is the first time I’ve done anything to this rifle other than shoot it. Now I have to cut slots into the damned screw to remove it. I have contacted the seller about this as well.
I will just have to shoot it as is for now.

id suggest checking some easy outs.. might find one close enough to just tap into the stripped out head and unscrew it.. well that's what I would do.. yes a lot of trouble trying to cut slots in screws.. is it possible that you are using metric Allen wrench instead of American Allen, or opposite? I once stripped a bolt, looked like a Allen wrench but it was a large torx.. I can't tell the difference without glasses and good lighting
mark

 

[Healthservices]

See if there is a torx bit that will tap in with a small hammer. That has saved me a couple times. Then chuck the thing and buy new bolts.

Allen

 

[Ezana4CE]

id suggest checking some easy outs.. might find one close enough to just tap into the stripped out head and unscrew it.. well that's what I would do.. yes a lot of trouble trying to cut slots in screws.. is it possible that you are using metric Allen wrench instead of American Allen, or opposite? I once stripped a bolt, looked like a Allen wrench but it was a large torx.. I can't tell the difference without glasses and good lighting
mark

@markhooper I didn’t strip this one. It came to me this way. The other two were removed with the same tool no problem.

See if there is a torx bit that will tap in with a hammer. That has saved me a couple times. Then chuck the thing and buy new bolts.

Allen

@Healfhservices I may have to try that eventually.

 

[Ezana4CE]

The seller has responded and offered to send new screws and an allen wrench for this screw size. I’ll see if the wrench he sends will fit.

 

[Greg_E]

Are they still SAE or did they convert to metric?

When I first got my OG BD and stripped it down for depinger and barrel supports, I had many screws that I thought were overtight, but was lucky enough not to wreck them.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Are they still SAE or did they convert to metric?

When I first got my OG BD and stripped it down for depinger and barrel supports, I had many screws that I thought were overtight, but was lucky enough not to wreck them.

@greg_g I used standard sized Allen wrenches on the other screws.

 

[John "spysir" Blount]

I am another person sold on (Firmly) tapping a Torx bit it and unscrewing it. I have not has this method fail yet.

John

 

[mackeral5]

IF you are unsuccessful with the methods mentioned above, these have bailed me out quite a few times.....

 

[rcs9250]

If you have a Dremel with an abrasive cut off disc you can cut a screwdriver slot into it for a straight screwdriver blade.

 

[Cheplicki]

That screw doesn't need to come out to remove the shroud.. it's only hanging on to the adapter at the end

 

[Ezana4CE]

That screw doesn't need to come out to remove the shroud.. it's only hanging on to the adapter at the end

@Cheplicki You may be right. It’s been a while since I opened one up. I know I don’t want stripped screws in my rifles though. It’s gotta go.

 

[WarriorPoet]

It may have been stripped from factory because they use power tools to install most likely. The torque just rounded the hex, and yes he is correct only the rear screw actually keeps the shroud secure to it's mount, the front screws just hold on the end cap and or picatinny.

 

[cosmic]

Also some heat from a soldering iron..

 

[Ezana4CE]

Still haven’t removed the stripped screw. For now it’s not hurting anything, so I’m in no rush to remove it since it doesn’t stop me from removing the shroud. Rich of @Airgun Revisions was kind enough to send me some replacement screws. I wasn’t expecting so many. He also sent an extra allen wrench.

How’s that for customer support?

 

[Ezana4CE]

Update: This screw ended up being removed and replaced by Rich when I sent the rifle in to have the valve body replaced. It was damaged when I reassembled the gun and put valve return spring in backwards, then shot it a few times.

 

[MonkeyBuziness]

I've had good luck drilling a hole slightly smaller than a torx head apex bit, then tapping that in and backing the screw out.