Author Topic: Headspace gages and checks on surplups (Read 613 times)

1911crazy · « **on:** December 16, 2003, 07:38:56 AM »

Does anyone check the headspace or have it checked when they buy a gun before they shoot it to make sure its safe to shoot? BigBill

I guess we all have been lucky so far with all my surplups I figure its time to check them just to besafe. I never thought about this before I did my barrel change on my 8mm. I'm sure its a slim chance your newly purchased surplup gun won't pass but just to besafe its worth having it checked. It just cost me about $100 for all the Forster headspace gages(no go's and field gages) from Midway they have the best prices on them. Having the headspace checked is very important.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2003, 05:18:19 PM »

The GunParts catalog used to list the common calibers of headspace guages for $16 or so.. I haven't looked of late. It is wise to check..

SBF · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2003, 05:49:20 AM »

I check mine by firing from the hip with my head turned :-D

I haven't gauged any of mine and have had no problems but it would always be better to be safe than sorry. The only problem I have is no gunsmiths in my area worth a crap and the ones that are around don't have gauges for most of the milsurp calibers that I own. It would get mighty expensive to get them myself for every caliber I shoot. I do completely disassemble every rifle and check them over. My first few shots at the range always end with me inspecting the cases for anything odd. So far I've been lucky I guess.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2003, 06:50:01 AM »

BIGBILL

I HAVE HEARD THAT IN A PINCH YOU CAN TAKE A PIECE OF SCOTCH
TAPE, STICK ON THE HEAD OF THE CARTRIDGE AND TRY TO CLOSE THE ACTION AND IF IT CLOASES THERES A PRETTY CHANCE THE ACTION
IS A LITTLE LOOSE OR TOO MUCH HEAD SPACE, SOUNDS LIKE A POOR BOY OPPERATION BUT IT MAY GIVE YOU A IDEA OF WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. JUST REPEATING WHAT I'VE HEARD

HAVE A GOOD DAY,,,,,,,,,,JOE

gunnut69 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2003, 12:35:32 PM »

I would'nt trust my lovely features(a joke OK!) to scotch tape shims. The camming force of a bolt action mauser is significant. It can partially size a case that's too long and will allow closing the bolt on a round with tape on it almost always. Headspace guages are made of hardened steel and come with warnings to not force the bolt closed. To force the bolt shut WILL damage the chamber and/or the headspace guage.. Take the rifle to a 'smith of buy guages OR live dangerously.. it's your face. These rifles have had things done to them that would and did make many into scrap. Perhaps the one you're about to hold in you hands survived but was damaged. I had a friend who used to hunt with an Enfield that would have case seperations ervery 3-4 rounds. He brought it to me because the constant exposure to cartridge gases had etched the chamber, he wanted it polished out!!! I convinced him a new bolt head was in order to fix the bolt head.. It easily took the longest available. God himself only knows what that rifle had been thru.. I advise either check them or keep your insurance paid up..

1911crazy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2003, 07:36:09 AM »

Today my project mauser passed the "No-Go" Guage test too. So I guess I have a perfect gun now it chambers a round so its safe to fire. I think its a valuable investment of having a headspace guage even if its a Field guage just to be safe. The field guage is the last test to see if the gun needs repair and shouldn't be shot anymore too because it isn't safe if it closes on the field guage. If you shooting a gun and its blowing out cases on the sides it isn't safe to shoot it needs repair? Buying a $15 dollar guage or going without it isn't worth your life be safe and sure!!
BigBill