So all the AR's I have built I never really worried about checking/setting the headspace, afterall they haven't really been precision guns. I ordered a Maten from the group buy and when it gets here I would like it to be more of a precision gun. Do I need to have the bolt and barrel headspaced together or just put it together and go?
- Thread starter lencomatt
- Start date
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So all the AR's I have built I never really worried about checking/setting the headspace, afterall they haven't really been precision guns. </div></div>
What? Never checked them at all???
"Precision" or otherwise, that sounds like a really bad idea to me.
For the price of a set of go/no go gauges, I'd always check headspace rather than take the risk. It's a question of basic safety, not precision.
Just my 0.02
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So all the AR's I have built I never really worried about checking/setting the headspace, afterall they haven't really been precision guns. </div></div>
What? Never checked them at all???
"Precision" or otherwise, that sounds like a really bad idea to me.
For the price of a set of go/no go gauges, I'd always check headspace rather than take the risk. It's a question of basic safety, not precision.
Just my 0.02
Re: Headspacing AR
Here is something to think about...
The chamber of an AR-15 is formed by the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. If a particular combination of those three pieces led to a "failed" gauging of headspace, what would you replace? The barrel assembly, bolt or both? If you purchase a bolt and barrel assembly from a reputable source, headspace is a non-issue.
Here is something to think about...
The chamber of an AR-15 is formed by the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. If a particular combination of those three pieces led to a "failed" gauging of headspace, what would you replace? The barrel assembly, bolt or both? If you purchase a bolt and barrel assembly from a reputable source, headspace is a non-issue.
Re: Headspacing AR
Unless you are ordering a barrel which includes a headspaced bolt, I would recommend checking headspace. For the minimal cost of the guages it's better to be safe than sorry. Headspace has nothing to do with what type of rifle your building.
Unless you are ordering a barrel which includes a headspaced bolt, I would recommend checking headspace. For the minimal cost of the guages it's better to be safe than sorry. Headspace has nothing to do with what type of rifle your building.
Re: Headspacing AR
lencomatt,
I would not waste the money having a bolt fitted to the barrel. Invest in a quality bolt carrier group and barrel, assemble, check the headspace just for safeties sake and never look back. I'd tae that money you would have spent on the bolt fitting and buy quality ammo or good reloading dies. When using new in spec parts I have never had an issue with headspace. Check out how my last build finished up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbBJWjiYrG0
lencomatt,
I would not waste the money having a bolt fitted to the barrel. Invest in a quality bolt carrier group and barrel, assemble, check the headspace just for safeties sake and never look back. I'd tae that money you would have spent on the bolt fitting and buy quality ammo or good reloading dies. When using new in spec parts I have never had an issue with headspace. Check out how my last build finished up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbBJWjiYrG0
Re: Headspacing AR
Buy the barrel and bolt from the same company OR get a bolt FIRST and send the bolt to the barrel company.
Headspace is important you can only get lucky throwing rifles together without checking it so many times...
Buy the barrel and bolt from the same company OR get a bolt FIRST and send the bolt to the barrel company.
Headspace is important you can only get lucky throwing rifles together without checking it so many times...
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m_gale</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is something to think about...
The chamber of an AR-15 is formed by the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. If a particular combination of those three pieces led to a "failed" gauging of headspace, what would you replace? The barrel assembly, bolt or both? <span style="color: #FF0000">If you purchase a bolt and barrel assembly from a reputable source, headspace is a non-issue</span>. </div></div>
This man speaks the truth.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m_gale</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is something to think about...
The chamber of an AR-15 is formed by the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. If a particular combination of those three pieces led to a "failed" gauging of headspace, what would you replace? The barrel assembly, bolt or both? <span style="color: #FF0000">If you purchase a bolt and barrel assembly from a reputable source, headspace is a non-issue</span>. </div></div>
This man speaks the truth.
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johngfoster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m_gale</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is something to think about...
The chamber of an AR-15 is formed by the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. If a particular combination of those three pieces led to a "failed" gauging of headspace, what would you replace? The barrel assembly, bolt or both? <span style="color: #FF0000">If you purchase a bolt and barrel assembly from a reputable source, headspace is a non-issue</span>. </div></div>
<span style="color: #FF0000">This man speaks the truth</span>. </div></div>
Only in so far as the manufacturing tolerances between those two "matched" components may be concerned.
It does not guarantee the competence (or otherwise) of the guy putting it all together or other components/factors that could collectively have an influence.
How many home "gunsmiths" also check the firing pin protrusion is within spec?
IMHO..for those who believe it is not necessary to check headspace or conduct other fundamental safety checks on the rifle during build and afterwards, I'd recommend you keep the the following items or phone numbers in your mobile or range bag at all times:
1) A first aid kit
2) Emergency Services / Ambulance
3) A good reconstruction surgeon
4) An undertaker
5) Your next of kin
6) A good lawyer
7) Your insurance company
You're going to need some or all of them eventually!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johngfoster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m_gale</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is something to think about...
The chamber of an AR-15 is formed by the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. If a particular combination of those three pieces led to a "failed" gauging of headspace, what would you replace? The barrel assembly, bolt or both? <span style="color: #FF0000">If you purchase a bolt and barrel assembly from a reputable source, headspace is a non-issue</span>. </div></div>
<span style="color: #FF0000">This man speaks the truth</span>. </div></div>
Only in so far as the manufacturing tolerances between those two "matched" components may be concerned.
It does not guarantee the competence (or otherwise) of the guy putting it all together or other components/factors that could collectively have an influence.
How many home "gunsmiths" also check the firing pin protrusion is within spec?
IMHO..for those who believe it is not necessary to check headspace or conduct other fundamental safety checks on the rifle during build and afterwards, I'd recommend you keep the the following items or phone numbers in your mobile or range bag at all times:
1) A first aid kit
2) Emergency Services / Ambulance
3) A good reconstruction surgeon
4) An undertaker
5) Your next of kin
6) A good lawyer
7) Your insurance company
You're going to need some or all of them eventually!
Re: Headspacing AR
For the internet experts. If you don't at least have a gunsmith or armorer(you?) check head spacing on your rifle your an idiot. The concept of everything that comes out of a firearms shop is good to go is the farthest from freagin great idea I have ever heard of. In the best case of having a out of spec chamber/ bolt assembly on the tight end (below min head spacing) the bolt wont lock on the chamber. On the loose side of the head spacing scale you will have case head separation or severely limit brass life. On the other side of insipent case head separation is when the case is allowed to expand to much and you end up with a catastrophic malfunction, ie the fucking thing explodes within inches of your dome. Not checking head space is right up there with getting high or drunk and loading ammunition, not something intelligent individuals choose to undertake. Take the time, think ahead. Even if you build your rifle yourself on your work bench, part of the routine should include someone that has half a brain checking the head space. There isn't a large number of things we gauge on the AR/ M4/M16 platform. Head space, and magazine feed lips... why? Cause issues with either and you can end up dead. Would you light an M80 and tape it to your cheek?
Think of it this way. If the barrel cambering spec is +0.001/-0.003. And the sleeve tolerance is the same. This process is known as stacking tolerances, where the individual components are machined to spec and pass. But when assembled the tolerances get stacked and your 0.007 chamber tolerance could be eaten up by the 0.008 range that the assembly could be off once the individual components get assembled.
For the internet experts. If you don't at least have a gunsmith or armorer(you?) check head spacing on your rifle your an idiot. The concept of everything that comes out of a firearms shop is good to go is the farthest from freagin great idea I have ever heard of. In the best case of having a out of spec chamber/ bolt assembly on the tight end (below min head spacing) the bolt wont lock on the chamber. On the loose side of the head spacing scale you will have case head separation or severely limit brass life. On the other side of insipent case head separation is when the case is allowed to expand to much and you end up with a catastrophic malfunction, ie the fucking thing explodes within inches of your dome. Not checking head space is right up there with getting high or drunk and loading ammunition, not something intelligent individuals choose to undertake. Take the time, think ahead. Even if you build your rifle yourself on your work bench, part of the routine should include someone that has half a brain checking the head space. There isn't a large number of things we gauge on the AR/ M4/M16 platform. Head space, and magazine feed lips... why? Cause issues with either and you can end up dead. Would you light an M80 and tape it to your cheek?
Think of it this way. If the barrel cambering spec is +0.001/-0.003. And the sleeve tolerance is the same. This process is known as stacking tolerances, where the individual components are machined to spec and pass. But when assembled the tolerances get stacked and your 0.007 chamber tolerance could be eaten up by the 0.008 range that the assembly could be off once the individual components get assembled.
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USMC_4_life</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">internet experts</span></span>. If you don't at least have a gunsmith or armorer(you?) check head spacing on your rifle your an idiot. The concept of everything that comes out of a firearms shop is good to go is the farthest from freagin great idea I have ever heard of. In the best case of having a out of spec chamber/ bolt assembly on the tight end (below min head spacing) the bolt wont lock on the chamber. On the loose side of the head spacing scale you will have case head separation or severely limit brass life. On the other side of insipent case head separation is when the case is allowed to expand to much and you end up with a catastrophic malfunction, ie the fucking thing explodes within inches of your dome. Not checking head space is right up there with getting high or drunk and loading ammunition, not something intelligent individuals choose to undertake. Take the time, think ahead. Even if you build your rifle yourself on your work bench, part of the routine should include someone that has half a brain checking the head space. There isn't a large number of things we gauge on the AR/ M4/M16 platform. Head space, and magazine feed lips... why? Cause issues with either and you can end up dead. Would you light an M80 and tape it to your cheek?
Think of it this way. If the barrel cambering spec is +0.001/-0.003. And the sleeve tolerance is the same. This process is known as stacking tolerances, where the individual components are machined to spec and pass. But when assembled the tolerances get stacked and your 0.007 chamber tolerance could be eaten up by the 0.008 range that the assembly could be off once the individual components get assembled. </div></div>
While I don't consider myself an expert, I am a professional. As such, I am paid to build, repair, <span style="font-weight: bold">gauge</span> and modify AR-15's. I have been fortunate to work for and be trained by arguably the most knowledgeable AR-15 armorers in the business.
Gauging headspace isn't as easy as buying a gauge and dropping it in the chamber. Mathematically, a bolt can lock on a maximum reject gauge and still be considered serviceable. Given that information what would your next step be? Companies like Brownell's have made BIG $$$ selling gauges to people who really have no idea how to use them or the information they provide.
My last comment is directed squarely at the individual I quoted and goes directly to his credibility. Being quick to paint some as idiots for failing to have their weapons gauged, I for one would like to hear what unique qualifications you possess to base such an assertion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USMC_4_life</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">internet experts</span></span>. If you don't at least have a gunsmith or armorer(you?) check head spacing on your rifle your an idiot. The concept of everything that comes out of a firearms shop is good to go is the farthest from freagin great idea I have ever heard of. In the best case of having a out of spec chamber/ bolt assembly on the tight end (below min head spacing) the bolt wont lock on the chamber. On the loose side of the head spacing scale you will have case head separation or severely limit brass life. On the other side of insipent case head separation is when the case is allowed to expand to much and you end up with a catastrophic malfunction, ie the fucking thing explodes within inches of your dome. Not checking head space is right up there with getting high or drunk and loading ammunition, not something intelligent individuals choose to undertake. Take the time, think ahead. Even if you build your rifle yourself on your work bench, part of the routine should include someone that has half a brain checking the head space. There isn't a large number of things we gauge on the AR/ M4/M16 platform. Head space, and magazine feed lips... why? Cause issues with either and you can end up dead. Would you light an M80 and tape it to your cheek?
Think of it this way. If the barrel cambering spec is +0.001/-0.003. And the sleeve tolerance is the same. This process is known as stacking tolerances, where the individual components are machined to spec and pass. But when assembled the tolerances get stacked and your 0.007 chamber tolerance could be eaten up by the 0.008 range that the assembly could be off once the individual components get assembled. </div></div>
While I don't consider myself an expert, I am a professional. As such, I am paid to build, repair, <span style="font-weight: bold">gauge</span> and modify AR-15's. I have been fortunate to work for and be trained by arguably the most knowledgeable AR-15 armorers in the business.
Gauging headspace isn't as easy as buying a gauge and dropping it in the chamber. Mathematically, a bolt can lock on a maximum reject gauge and still be considered serviceable. Given that information what would your next step be? Companies like Brownell's have made BIG $$$ selling gauges to people who really have no idea how to use them or the information they provide.
My last comment is directed squarely at the individual I quoted and goes directly to his credibility. Being quick to paint some as idiots for failing to have their weapons gauged, I for one would like to hear what unique qualifications you possess to base such an assertion.
Re: Headspacing AR
Interesting topic.. tagging to review.
Seems to be more and more home builders are assembling AR platform guns each day, and from multiple parts sources.
If a poll was taken, the number of builds that actually were properly checked for headspacing before firing.. most likely very few.
Interesting topic.. tagging to review.
Seems to be more and more home builders are assembling AR platform guns each day, and from multiple parts sources.
If a poll was taken, the number of builds that actually were properly checked for headspacing before firing.. most likely very few.
Re: Headspacing AR
I don't know how with the posting initially made anyone can in good conscience give advice to the poster to not worry about it and just go with what he gets for parts and not check the head space of the build up.
Is it likely there will be a problem? No.
But what are the potential implications and dangers if there is a problem? Uh, let's see, his head and face (and other parts of his body) will be a couple inches from something with a 50,000 psi pressure situation.
Best to always err on the side of caution with guns, it's an explosive situation, literally.
Robert
I don't know how with the posting initially made anyone can in good conscience give advice to the poster to not worry about it and just go with what he gets for parts and not check the head space of the build up.
Is it likely there will be a problem? No.
But what are the potential implications and dangers if there is a problem? Uh, let's see, his head and face (and other parts of his body) will be a couple inches from something with a 50,000 psi pressure situation.
Best to always err on the side of caution with guns, it's an explosive situation, literally.
Robert
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Only in so far as the manufacturing tolerances between those two "matched" components may be concerned.
<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">It does not guarantee the competence (or otherwise) of the guy putting it all together or other components/factors that could collectively have an influence.</span></span>How many home "gunsmiths" also check the firing pin protrusion is within spec?
IMHO..for those who believe it is not necessary to check headspace or conduct other fundamental safety checks on the rifle during build and afterwards, I'd recommend you keep the the following items or phone numbers in your mobile or range bag at all times:
1) A first aid kit
2) Emergency Services / Ambulance
3) A good reconstruction surgeon
4) An undertaker
5) Your next of kin
6) A good lawyer
7) Your insurance company
You're going to need some or all of them eventually! </div></div>
What "other components/factors" are you referring to? Once the barrel manufacturer has screwed the barrel extension onto the barrel, the "headspacing" work is DONE for an AR15. The person assembling the barrel to the receiver has no effect whatsoever on headspace. m_gale's assertion is absolutely correct - use parts from reputable maufacturers and you're good to go.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Only in so far as the manufacturing tolerances between those two "matched" components may be concerned.
<span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">It does not guarantee the competence (or otherwise) of the guy putting it all together or other components/factors that could collectively have an influence.</span></span>How many home "gunsmiths" also check the firing pin protrusion is within spec?
IMHO..for those who believe it is not necessary to check headspace or conduct other fundamental safety checks on the rifle during build and afterwards, I'd recommend you keep the the following items or phone numbers in your mobile or range bag at all times:
1) A first aid kit
2) Emergency Services / Ambulance
3) A good reconstruction surgeon
4) An undertaker
5) Your next of kin
6) A good lawyer
7) Your insurance company
You're going to need some or all of them eventually! </div></div>
What "other components/factors" are you referring to? Once the barrel manufacturer has screwed the barrel extension onto the barrel, the "headspacing" work is DONE for an AR15. The person assembling the barrel to the receiver has no effect whatsoever on headspace. m_gale's assertion is absolutely correct - use parts from reputable maufacturers and you're good to go.
Re: Headspacing AR
Can anyone post first-hand account of when they DID check headspace and found it to be off in an AR15 platform? If so, how did you address it or fix it?
Can anyone post first-hand account of when they DID check headspace and found it to be off in an AR15 platform? If so, how did you address it or fix it?
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johngfoster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If so, how did you address it or fix it? </div></div>
Well, you can swap bolts around in the hopes that another one headspaces properly. Beyond that you either have it rechambered if possible or return the barrel.
In my case it was because the barrel wasn't properly chambered to begin with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johngfoster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If so, how did you address it or fix it? </div></div>
Well, you can swap bolts around in the hopes that another one headspaces properly. Beyond that you either have it rechambered if possible or return the barrel.
In my case it was because the barrel wasn't properly chambered to begin with.
Re: Headspacing AR
From AR15.com:
Headspace:
There is some dispute over the need to check the headspace on AR15/M16 rifles on these forums. Some say you must. Some say you should. Some say you don't have to.
Whether you check the headspace on your rifle is up to you. The following is provided for your information…
First, try this URL for an explanation of Headspacing: www.hybrid.ualr.edu/satu/headspace.html
Then try this one for more enlightenment: www.fulton-armory.com/headspace.htm
The Forster/SAAMI gauges available from Brownells are primarily intended for use with .223 Remington civilian rifles, but can be used with your AR15. The M16/AR15 series use their own peculiar specs for headspace, making it necessary to ignore the "Go' and "No-Go" markings, and look instead at the measurement marked on the gauge.
The current military specifications for the M16 series call for headspace of not less than 1.4646” and not more than 1.4706” on a new rifle. The commercial Forster/SAAMI gauges are marked in 1,000ths of an inch instead the 10,000ths of an inch that the dedicated M16 gauges are. When installing a new barrel, the commercial gauge measuring 1.465" can be used in place of the M16 "Go" gauge. Consider the 4/10,000ths of an inch difference an extra margin of safety. The commercial 1.470" gauge (the commercial "Field" gauge) can be used to confirm that the headspace is within spec for a new rifle. Unfortunately, there are no gauges available to measure between 1.470" and 1.4730", the latter being the measurement on the M16 "Field" gauge.
The M16 Field Service gauge measures a dimension of greater than 1.4730”. A rifle with a bolt that does not close on a Field Service gauge is considered safe to fire by the army, but not the Marines who use the military "No-Go" gauge for that measurement. Without using military Go or No-Go gauges, or commercial gauges marked with their measurements, you cannot know whether or not it is truly in spec. An interesting tidbit of information is that the Colt M16/AR15 Field gauge measures a dimension in excess of 1.4736”. It seems that the military has built in a bit more of a safety factor with their gauge.
You should remove the extractor parts and the ejector, which normally requires four hands. Removing the ejector is a two-handed job if you have the proper tools, specifically a Sinclair Bolt Vice for the AR15.
You can’t really reset the headspace on an AR15 with a chrome-lined chamber. That is set when the barrel extension is installed on the barrel. If you have an unlined barrel, with short headspace, a gunsmith can adjust it by cutting the chamber deeper with the appropriate chambering reamers. If the headspace is long, or the chamber chrome-lined, the only option is to try a different bolt until headspace checks good, or you run out of bolts. Then it is time for a new barrel.
To recap, the specs are as follows:
New Rifle Headspace: 1.4646" to 1.4706"
SAMMI headspace gauges to use: 1.465" and 1.470"
Unsafe Rifle Headspace: 1.4736"
Use the Colt M16/AR15 Field Gauge: 1.4736" or,
The US military gauge: 1.4730”
Note: The Forster/SAAMI "No-Go" gauge measures 1.467"
Sources for Gauges -
Brownells: www.Brownells.com SAAMI gauges and a whole lot of new AR15 parts and accessories.
Sarco: www.sarcoinc.com Military “Field” gauge as well as other maintenance items and M16/AR15 parts and accessories.
I picked up my USGI gauge here:
http://www.fulton-armory.com/headspacegaugegifield223556mm.aspx
No need to remove your extractor/ejector with this gauge.
From AR15.com:
Headspace:
There is some dispute over the need to check the headspace on AR15/M16 rifles on these forums. Some say you must. Some say you should. Some say you don't have to.
Whether you check the headspace on your rifle is up to you. The following is provided for your information…
First, try this URL for an explanation of Headspacing: www.hybrid.ualr.edu/satu/headspace.html
Then try this one for more enlightenment: www.fulton-armory.com/headspace.htm
The Forster/SAAMI gauges available from Brownells are primarily intended for use with .223 Remington civilian rifles, but can be used with your AR15. The M16/AR15 series use their own peculiar specs for headspace, making it necessary to ignore the "Go' and "No-Go" markings, and look instead at the measurement marked on the gauge.
The current military specifications for the M16 series call for headspace of not less than 1.4646” and not more than 1.4706” on a new rifle. The commercial Forster/SAAMI gauges are marked in 1,000ths of an inch instead the 10,000ths of an inch that the dedicated M16 gauges are. When installing a new barrel, the commercial gauge measuring 1.465" can be used in place of the M16 "Go" gauge. Consider the 4/10,000ths of an inch difference an extra margin of safety. The commercial 1.470" gauge (the commercial "Field" gauge) can be used to confirm that the headspace is within spec for a new rifle. Unfortunately, there are no gauges available to measure between 1.470" and 1.4730", the latter being the measurement on the M16 "Field" gauge.
The M16 Field Service gauge measures a dimension of greater than 1.4730”. A rifle with a bolt that does not close on a Field Service gauge is considered safe to fire by the army, but not the Marines who use the military "No-Go" gauge for that measurement. Without using military Go or No-Go gauges, or commercial gauges marked with their measurements, you cannot know whether or not it is truly in spec. An interesting tidbit of information is that the Colt M16/AR15 Field gauge measures a dimension in excess of 1.4736”. It seems that the military has built in a bit more of a safety factor with their gauge.
You should remove the extractor parts and the ejector, which normally requires four hands. Removing the ejector is a two-handed job if you have the proper tools, specifically a Sinclair Bolt Vice for the AR15.
You can’t really reset the headspace on an AR15 with a chrome-lined chamber. That is set when the barrel extension is installed on the barrel. If you have an unlined barrel, with short headspace, a gunsmith can adjust it by cutting the chamber deeper with the appropriate chambering reamers. If the headspace is long, or the chamber chrome-lined, the only option is to try a different bolt until headspace checks good, or you run out of bolts. Then it is time for a new barrel.
To recap, the specs are as follows:
New Rifle Headspace: 1.4646" to 1.4706"
SAMMI headspace gauges to use: 1.465" and 1.470"
Unsafe Rifle Headspace: 1.4736"
Use the Colt M16/AR15 Field Gauge: 1.4736" or,
The US military gauge: 1.4730”
Note: The Forster/SAAMI "No-Go" gauge measures 1.467"
Sources for Gauges -
Brownells: www.Brownells.com SAAMI gauges and a whole lot of new AR15 parts and accessories.
Sarco: www.sarcoinc.com Military “Field” gauge as well as other maintenance items and M16/AR15 parts and accessories.
I picked up my USGI gauge here:
http://www.fulton-armory.com/headspacegaugegifield223556mm.aspx
No need to remove your extractor/ejector with this gauge.
Re: Headspacing AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scoop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What "other components/factors" are you referring to? <span style="color: #CC0000">Once the barrel manufacturer has screwed the barrel extension </span>onto the barrel, the "headspacing" work is DONE for an AR15. <span style="color: #FF0000">The person assembling the barrel to the receiver has no effect whatsoever on headspace</span>. m_gale's assertion is absolutely correct - <span style="color: #FF0000">use parts from reputable maufacturers </span>and you're good to go.
</div></div>
m_gale mentioned only a barrel and bolt - not the extension, nor the tolerances to which that maybe manufactured.
You now add further conditions such as ""parts from reputable manufacturers".
Not everyone gets the extension fitted by the barrel manufacturer. Not everyone buys "parts from reputable manufacturers". Not every manufacturer manufactures to the same tolerances, nor indeed to exact accuracy to mil-spec. Interchangability of AR parts is theoretical only and you cannot guarantee that parts from manufacturers A, B or C, will work out of the box with parts from manufacturers X,Y or Z.
Whilst a competent gunsmith may be able to identify and deal with any issues that this may cause, can your avarage "home builder"?
The belief that building an AR is as easy as putting together Lego is misleading.
So yes, the guy screwing the thing together does matter. Left alone, multiple small errors compound.
For every variable, and conditional statement you added, IMO you answered your own question.
Any statement that implies, or could be misconstrued as implying that checking headspace (or any other safety checks on fit and functionality) prior to firing live ammunition through a fully assembled firearm is unnecessary is irresponsible and negligent.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scoop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What "other components/factors" are you referring to? <span style="color: #CC0000">Once the barrel manufacturer has screwed the barrel extension </span>onto the barrel, the "headspacing" work is DONE for an AR15. <span style="color: #FF0000">The person assembling the barrel to the receiver has no effect whatsoever on headspace</span>. m_gale's assertion is absolutely correct - <span style="color: #FF0000">use parts from reputable maufacturers </span>and you're good to go.
</div></div>
m_gale mentioned only a barrel and bolt - not the extension, nor the tolerances to which that maybe manufactured.
You now add further conditions such as ""parts from reputable manufacturers".
Not everyone gets the extension fitted by the barrel manufacturer. Not everyone buys "parts from reputable manufacturers". Not every manufacturer manufactures to the same tolerances, nor indeed to exact accuracy to mil-spec. Interchangability of AR parts is theoretical only and you cannot guarantee that parts from manufacturers A, B or C, will work out of the box with parts from manufacturers X,Y or Z.
Whilst a competent gunsmith may be able to identify and deal with any issues that this may cause, can your avarage "home builder"?
The belief that building an AR is as easy as putting together Lego is misleading.
So yes, the guy screwing the thing together does matter. Left alone, multiple small errors compound.
For every variable, and conditional statement you added, IMO you answered your own question.
Any statement that implies, or could be misconstrued as implying that checking headspace (or any other safety checks on fit and functionality) prior to firing live ammunition through a fully assembled firearm is unnecessary is irresponsible and negligent.
