Reassembly - getting the trigger plate to seat???
 

What is the trick to getting it to reseat? I can't get the rear portion at the head of the stock to seat.

Am I putting it back together wrong? Should I just keep trying to tamp it with a mallet, or use the screws to create compression? Is something in the way because I have put something back wrong?

It is close, close, close - just can't get that last millimeter.

Was the stock redone? If so you might have to GENTLY scrape the inletting but not too much at one time Trial and error

Could be a couple things.

Cocking slide could be installed wrong.

Tang screw bushing could be screwed in too far so that the trigger plate is hitting it.

Could be some crud in the frame.

Or maybe something else I am missing.

Stock was only removed to clean the action. I can't get the floor plate to seat flush back in the frame.

Is it possible to put the sears in the wrong way? - Left sear on the right, vice versa? I think I have them in correctly, but can't explain why it won't go back in - if I've got everything correct then the tight fit is amazing.

Should the trigger plate be flush back in place before any other screws are inserted? The screws I have left are the three floor plate screws, and the top and bottom tang screws, plus the trigger guard.

I think the cocking slide needs to be positioned. Not sure if it's that but do remember something inside will prevent complete attachment of trigger plate. Look and you will be able to determine. Bob

The sears should not be able to be put in any other way than the right way.

Pull your action back off the stock and see if the plate will seat fully with no stock in the mix. That may be a good place to start trying to diagnose your issue.

I should have know Brian would be on top of it. And who better? Bob

The pivot piece in the receiver that fits at the front of the cocking slide wasn't set up properly. Once those two teeth are in the squared opening of the cocking slide the plate will fit. Now to see if it goes back on the stock. Thanks everyone!

Well...fudge. Does any of the above make any sense? Same issue.

Eureka...held it with the butt in the air. Gravity aligned everything. Whew, I am worn out.