Head space?

[1moretoy]

Recently purchased a complete BCG and Criterion barrel from fulton armory for my 308 build. They said they checked the heads space before it was shipped. Wondering if I should double check it before I put the gun together. I don't have the tools or knowledge to do so. I would have to purchase them or pay someone. What are your thoughts?

[Pthfndr]

You shouldn't need to.

[CouchOperator]

You're probably fine. Just shoot the thing

[Ralgha]

I didn't check the headspace on mine, just held my face away and pulled the trigger. It didn't explode, the spent case looked fine, so I deemed it good.

[just_now]

Purchased brand new ar 308 barrel and BCG from big name manufactures. It swallowed the no go gauge like a crack whore!

Items are back at the manufacture for replacement.

I am checking headspace every single time in new builds for now on.

My ugly face is worth more than $60.00 in headspace gauges.

[Marauder2003]

I just finished 4 featureless using different brands complete uppers. Headspace was fine on all.

I will still be careful the first time I live fire them.

[zan101]

OP, I'm building my first AR and I'm not taking any chances, I'm investing $ in gauges. Maybe someone you know has those gauges and can loan them to you for a six pack or something. Good luck.

[kazuaki]

Recently purchased a complete BCG and Criterion barrel from fulton armory for my 308 build. They said they checked the heads space before it was shipped. Wondering if I should double check it before I put the gun together. I don't have the tools or knowledge to do so. I would have to purchase them or pay someone. What are your thoughts?

Where are you located?

[alpha_romeo_XV]

If you do get gauges you'll need to know how to use them correctly. If you skip reading instructions and allow the steel no-go gauge to slam into your chamber using the buffer bolt/sprint then you'd damage the chamber for sure. This DIY from Brownells recommends taking the extractor off the bolt but I've had no issue leaving them on. But I do like testing with the barrel out of the upper receiver (pre-installation).

Without gauges the field test is if the bolt will go into full battery on a factory bullet it's a go (test by hand not using the buffer bolt/spring). If the bolt doesn't close completely the headspace is insufficient, which means you won't be able to get into full battery or maybe slam fire.

You do need a no-go gauge to see if headspace is excessive. That's the situation where bolt will close on a no-go gauge. This would give poor accuracy and split cases.

[kozumasbullitt]

I always check headspace, cheap insurance.

[Rgarbarino]

I use these guys when I build

https://www.reamerrentals.com/searchresults.asp?cat=26

[1moretoy]

Where are you located?

I'm in South San Jose

[jimbo74]

I bought a PSA PTAC complete, built upper.... Still took it to my local gun store and had them check it (they did it for free, another LGS also had previously told me they would do it for free also, it literally takes 30 seconds) --- it was good to go, no problem

moral of the story, you should be fine, but your safety and the safety of those around you is worth it.. and hopefully, your LGS checks it for free --- if not, I would find a new lgs

[Arnelcheeze]

I always check headspace, cheap insurance.

This^^^ it's a 308 man.