How do you tighten a 12guage shotgun stocks?

Answer 1

This question would be easier to answer correctly if you specified the maker and model no. of your shotgun, or at least the action type (e.g., single barrel break-open, pump, semi-automatic,, double side-by-side, over-under, etc), but I'll attempt to give a generic answer:

It depends on what method was originally used to attach the stock to the receiver; i.e., does it use a single bolt through the length of the buttstock? If so, you will have to first remove the buttplate or recoil pad to gain access to the bolt head. You will also need a small flashlight so you can look into the deeply recessed hole to determine what type of head is on the bolt. Most shotguns use a simple rounded head with a slot so you can use a BIG screwdriver to tighten it. I have also seen a few stockbolts with 6-point (hex) heads and even one with an Allen (socket) head, although I suspect at least a few of these were replacements. Whatever type of head it uses, just be sure to use a properly fitting tool to tighten or remove the bolt.

If there is no stock bolt hole in the butt, then the attachment will be strictly at the front of the stock with usually 2 or 3 screws through the tangs and/or other parts of the receiver. It is very important to NOT overtighten the screws that fasten from one tang through the wrist of the stock to the opposite tang. If the wood is tightened too closely to the metal, just the normal recoil from firing the gun could crack or split the wrist of the stock.

You may just want to take your gun to a competent gunsmith, especially if it is a high-grade gun or a family heirloom.