Installing buttplate screws

I received the buttplate and screws for my NO1 MKIII and I am having a little trouble getting them to thread into the butt.

The butt is new and has never had screws in it before so, the screws are threading the wood as I screw them in.

The problem is that when I get about 3/4 of the way in the screws stop dead. (That's 3/4 of the way neccessary to tighten down on the buttplate) I did add a little lube to the screw thread to see if that would help.

I am afraid of slipping and fouling up the screws/stock. Is there any "trick" of the trade that would make this job a little easier?

Thank you guys in advance for your help.
Al

I was in the same situation before. I took a spare buttplate screw and turned it into a tap with judicious use of a dremel. Examine the cutting features of a tap and replicate that cut channel. Ensure the cutting edges are exactly 90 degrees like on a tap.

Predrill the holes to sufficient depth at a diameter equal to the wood screw shank: you're just using the modified screw to redress and cut threads, and the smaller diameter will ensure the wood screw still does its job properly.

Thanks, Nodda Duma. I don't have an extra screw but, I still have some parts to order and I will just have them throw in another screw.
Now, I have to tell you, My screw holes had "no" threads in them. None. I think that is why it is so hard to get them all of the way in.
Anyway, thanks again.

Al

Put a little grease on the screw threads.

Thanks vintage, but, I done that already.
Al

Those are pretty deep holes( I assume you've checked the depth) so you'll need to add grease to the leading threads every couple turns. When you feel the screw start chattering back it out and add grease. Another thing you can do is pour linseed oil in the holes and let it soak in, dry wood is hard and abrasive so the oil will soften it a bit as well as reduce friction.

Soap works better than grease. Go get that wet bar of soap out of your bathroom and drag the screw over it till it's well coated.

I'll give the lubes another try. Thanks guys.

Al