Gunsmithing Sav. Barrel Change, Strip Bolt or Not?

[Walt K]

I've done a few barrel changes on my Savage rifles. I use a go and no go gauge to set the head space
but I do not remove the firing pin, extractor and ejector from the bolt. This has as worked safety and properly
with no problems so far. Yet I often read that these items should be removed for a proper job.
Am I missing something? Is it really necessary for the absolute correct procedure for setting
the head space? Will this method really give me that last bit of precision? Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Jointshooters]

Never removed it, never had a problem.

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

Textbook procedure includes removing the extractor and ejector, but it is really unnecessary if you've got any sense of feel at all.

Of course at the end of the day, the GO and NOGO gages tell all.

For a little more "precision", if you deem it necessary, use a small square of scotch tape on the back of your GO gage instead of the NOGO gage. The GO gage with tape will have less headspace than the NOGO, indicating you are inside a tighter spec.

By the way, tighter headspace doesn't mean more accuracy.

 

[Walt K]

That's what I thought but I am interested in other opinions or experiences.