Headspace question

[Fortkevin2]

I was at the range today and picked up a used NEF 30 30 winchester from a guy there. The stock is cracked and it's been spray painted but I think it should clean up nice with a little work. Since it's a SB2 I put a 357 mag barrel(reamed to max) on the frame that I bought from a member here.

I noticed that when put the rifle up to the light, looking at rifle from it's side I can see light between the barrel and the receiver face. I found a picture online and made an arrow to show you guys where I'm talking about.



I'm still learning and want to make sure this rifle would be safe to fire. I can stick two sheets or printer paper between the barrel and receiver face. Is there to much head space? I'm not sure if I'm using the right terms here. I just don't want to shoot it tomorrow if it's dangerous. thanks for all your help!

[quickdtoo]

Read my barrel fitting info in the FAQs. 

Tim

[mitch132]

I believe copy paper ranges from 0.0035" to 0.0045". If you are able to get two sheets in between the barrel and breech face, then you have about 0.007" to 0.009" clearance, which is a bit excessive. Buy a set of cheap feeler gauges from a car parts store. You can use them to check the measurement, and then cut them up to use as durable shim material to reduce/eliminate the gap. Do as Tim suggested and read the barrel fitting info carefully, then it all should make more sense.

[petemi]

Cut a shim from a pop can and put it on the pivot and try that.  I did it to one of my .357s and it's fine.  It'll wear out eventually, but it only takes a minute to redo.

Pete