To answer your questions - this particular action has the retaining screws which have a large head but very small threads I'd say about 1/16th of an inch thick, I'm thinking of making some that are larger, since one is somewhat compromised. The table is 2 inches long to the centre of the hinge and the barrels are steel not damascus, not ancient by any means. I really have no need for a "big" cartridge, likely deer are the very largest game I would be hunting. --- John303.