RE problem...

[Col_Crocs]

So I have a milspec RE installed, castle nut staked in 2 places and have even fired a couple of hundred rounds through the carbine without any problems but just now noticed, if I tried, I could turn it by hand just a bit. It stops upon contact with the channel wall though, if at all.
Leave it be or take it apart, re-torque and re-stake?

[5pins]

Personally I would re-torque and re-stake.

[THCDDM4]

Personally I would re-torque and re-stake.

+1 on re-torque and re-stake.

[Shihan]

Leaving it is asking for trouble. Torque correctly and restake, you may need a new plate depending.

[JoshNC]

This could also be due to the width of channel on the underside of
the RE; the area where the receiver endplate interfaces with the RE.

If too wide either as a result of machining tolerences or from damage during assembly the scenario you describe could occur. I had it happen to me years ago after disassembling a Colt RE that I had previously loctited. The channel in the RE was peened out slightly wider right where it mattered and the RE could then be slightly rotated by hand when reassembled.

[Col_Crocs]

Ya, the endplate is the reason for my hesitation... I have a few standard ones lying around but the one on at the moment has a side sling mount which I need for next weekend's hunting trip. I guess Im just going to have to put the sling on the stock itself--Better a marred CTR than a ruined RE.
Been wanting to change to an ASAP anyway, guess I now have a valid reason to get one.
Thanks guys!

Josh: I doubt it's gone as far as damaging the threads and widening the channel or atleast I hope it hasnt.