I recently started an ar-15 build and had a question about the barrel. I am purchasing a DPMS 204 ruger barrel and i know the barrel extension comes installed but does it work with any bolt and bolt carrier group? Will there be any headspacing problems? Thanks for any input.
Proper Headspacing?
- Thread starter STI_1911_Guy
- Start date
Re: Proper Headspacing?
You don't have any real control over it, but you should check it with headspace gauges after installation.
Lots of folks don't and they are fine, but if you catch a manufacturing defect you may have problems.
You don't have any real control over it, but you should check it with headspace gauges after installation.
Lots of folks don't and they are fine, but if you catch a manufacturing defect you may have problems.
Re: Proper Headspacing?
Obviously its a lot better to get a barrel/bolt combo, if you don't I would err of the side of caution and headspace it. I have never had any problems, but as mentioned by Lonewolf, it only needs to happen once.
Obviously its a lot better to get a barrel/bolt combo, if you don't I would err of the side of caution and headspace it. I have never had any problems, but as mentioned by Lonewolf, it only needs to happen once.
Re: Proper Headspacing?
I always headspace any barrel/bolt that wasn't specifically matched by the assembler or manufacturer. All it takes in one out spec part to ruin your day.
I always headspace any barrel/bolt that wasn't specifically matched by the assembler or manufacturer. All it takes in one out spec part to ruin your day.
Re: Proper Headspacing?
You really can't headspace an AR barrel yourself. All you can do is confirm that the headspace in within spec. The likelihood of getting a setup that is dangerous due to excessive headspace is highly unlikely, although it could happen.
I usually just check to make sure that there isn't excessive headspace using a field gauge. Getting the bolt with the barrel is a good idea, just so that you'll know that the headspace was checked.
You really can't headspace an AR barrel yourself. All you can do is confirm that the headspace in within spec. The likelihood of getting a setup that is dangerous due to excessive headspace is highly unlikely, although it could happen.
I usually just check to make sure that there isn't excessive headspace using a field gauge. Getting the bolt with the barrel is a good idea, just so that you'll know that the headspace was checked.
Re: Proper Headspacing?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You really can't headspace an AR barrel yourself. All you can do is confirm that the headspace in within spec. The likelihood of getting a setup that is dangerous due to excessive headspace is highly unlikely, although it could happen.
I usually just check to make sure that there isn't excessive headspace using a field gauge. Getting the bolt with the barrel is a good idea, just so that you'll know that the headspace was checked. </div></div>
The only gage of any value is a Max/Reject. The headspace spec for COLT rifles and carbines is 1.4646 to 1.4706 inches.
Go 1.464
No-Go 1.476
Field 1.470
Max/Reject 1.4736
A little math will tell you that a COLT bolt will close on every gage except the Max/Reject gage and still be within spec. Unless you have access to a machine shop and a set of Rock Island Arsenal gages, head space is non-issue.
Buy a complete rifle or a bolt and barrel from a quality manufacturer and call it good.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You really can't headspace an AR barrel yourself. All you can do is confirm that the headspace in within spec. The likelihood of getting a setup that is dangerous due to excessive headspace is highly unlikely, although it could happen.
I usually just check to make sure that there isn't excessive headspace using a field gauge. Getting the bolt with the barrel is a good idea, just so that you'll know that the headspace was checked. </div></div>
The only gage of any value is a Max/Reject. The headspace spec for COLT rifles and carbines is 1.4646 to 1.4706 inches.
Go 1.464
No-Go 1.476
Field 1.470
Max/Reject 1.4736
A little math will tell you that a COLT bolt will close on every gage except the Max/Reject gage and still be within spec. Unless you have access to a machine shop and a set of Rock Island Arsenal gages, head space is non-issue.
Buy a complete rifle or a bolt and barrel from a quality manufacturer and call it good.
