AR upper build question

[tsoiky]

How many of you had done the head spacing done when building your AR? I bought completed uppers in the past but wanna build one this time.

I had a nickel boron upper from Right to bear arm. Nickel boron bolt carrier from AIMsurplus so far. Still looking for 14.5" barrel and handguard.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dumas1012]

Technically, you're supposed to, but I never had. I'm still alive and still have my fingers to type.

[Dozer94]

Most people do not check the head space on their builds. I didn't check the head space on my Rainier Arms barrel and PSA premium BCG and it's working fine. On my other build, I asked Randall to check head space since he was pinning a FSB onto the barrel.

Generally speaking, if you use quality components from trusted manufacturers everything should fall within spec. But that doesn't always guarantee that a gremlin isn't around.

Barrels should be head spaced by the manufacturer. If they fall out of spec, you can try different bolts. If that fails, send the barrel back for replacement.

Have fun with the build!

[CK_32]

I live dangerously.


Head spacing is for girls and sissies.


Ask this guy

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1056546

Too soon?

[rero360]

While you shouldn't have any issues with using bolts and barrels from well known and respected companies, checking the head-space is a good thing to do for peace of mind at least.

Now when it comes to bolts that have TiN, NiB, or other coatings, I would recommend checking them as it seems like they tend to have more issues due to the deposition of the additional material.

[Metal Fiend]

I did when I built my 300blk upper from parts.

[Bullets&Whitewalls]

I check mine. Plus it is a good "excuse" to buy more tools. For down the road if you end up needing them it is nice to have. I almost love tools more than guns sometimes lol

[tsoiky]

Thanks for the input. I guess spending extra $70 on a go/no go headspace gauges are a nice insurance to have. I plan to keep my fingers for future use LOL


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rgarbarino]

I just finished a 6.8 build with a Wilson Combat barrel and a Stag Arms BCG. I called Wilson to ask about headspacing and they told me it was checked by them already. But I figured since I'm using a different BCG than they tested with, and this is my first build I might as well check it for myself as part of the building experience. I'm renting a set of gauges from reamerrenatls.com for $7 plus round trip shipping, total was like $20. They are on their way to me now.

[ar15barrels]

I charge $10 to check headspace if anyone in my area needs that done.

[PanzerAce]

Checking/having the headspace checked on a completed barrel is a tacit acknowledgement that you bought inferior components that you dont trust.

There's an easy fix to this, but most CGNers frankly are too cheap to do it.

[FeuerFrei]

I like to live dangerously.
AR head check- nope.
AK? Every damn time I build one and again after first firing.


Sent using a long string & 2 cans.

[ar15barrels]

AR upper build question

Checking/having the headspace checked on a completed barrel is a tacit acknowledgement that you bought inferior components that you dont trust.

All brands are subject to headspace test failures occasionally.
I can include Colt, Armalite, Bushmaster, Ranier Arms, LMT, Bravo Company and Daniel Defense in the list of companies whose parts I have had headspace failures from.
Simply buying high quality parts is no guarantee of them all working together.

[freebug]

I have built 10 ARs - 3 in 300BLK, the rest in 556.

I bought a head space gauge, no go. Used it on the first and then second. After that, it sits in a drawer never used in the remainder of all my builds. If your parts are to mil-spec and fit properly without pounding, then you should be good to go.

If you ever have a round that doesn't fully chamber - STOP. DO NOT USE THE FORWARD ASSIST to ram it in there. Watch the Youtube videos of AR Kabooms and you will see that 9 out of 10 of them the person used the forward assist. YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO USE IT. If a round does not fully chamber, something is wrong. Guns are wearable mechanical devices (esp 1911s). So, the more you shoot them the more mechanical wear and eventually things will break.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh1lyMyejpI

First time shooting a new build - hold it far from your face. That's what I do.

[Bralowe]

I check headspace on all rifles I build. IMHO headspace gauges are inexpensive & important, even when assembling AR rifles using quality components.