Do any of you actual check head space?

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I check every AR upper I build with the exception of uppers built with previously checked and matched barrel and bolt. CRTguns is pretty much on point that there's nothing for the consumer to do if headspace is not correct (with the exception of trying other bolts, I've seen that work in a couple of cases but wouldn't count on it), but it makes me more comfortable to know that headspace is correct when the upper is finished and fired.

I have personally observed a couple of AR rifles fail due to headspace issues and don't want any of mine to do the same. If either the barrel or bolt are out of spec I want to know about it before I fire it.

[awiner]

.....it makes me more comfortable to know that headspace is correct when the upper is finished and fired.

I have personally observed a couple of AR rifles fail due to headspace issues and don't want any of mine to do the same. If either the barrel or bolt are out of spec I want to know about it before I fire it.

Totally agree. Headspace gauges are cheaper than a hospital visit 😊

[sigstroker]

CRT thank you for that comment.. That was about as usefull a post as i have ever seen.

Except that it was bunk. Headspace should come out right every time, but it doesn't. Machined parts always have tolerances, and enough of a buildup of tolerances can put you out of spec.

OP, you got your answer. Most people ignore it. And a problem ignored is one that doesn't exist, right? As for my answer, I've only used Bushmaster complete uppers, which come headspaced from the factory. I've shopped other ones at gun shows, but the vendors have offered to headspace them for me when I've asked.

[MrPlink]

I was told a much shorter version of what crt said, "its futile"

[Josh3239]

THey come with headpsace already set. I've probably built close to 15, never checked.

[Donk310]

I always check headspace! Primarily on AK's and AR's. I think I'm blessed cuz I never had any ftf's or fte's on either platforms.

I'm even more blessed, because I've NEVER checked and I've never had any ftf's or fte's either.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Go/no-go.

[Justintoxicated]

I HATE this question...

The headspace is not any concern o the consumer. Should not be. It is addressed during manufacture, by the folks making the barrel. The EXTENSION is installed and chamber cut to achieve a headspace within tolerance. Your bolt, believe or not is not part of the headspace in the AR. The bolt is made to a very exacting dimension... so it's always the same, or less variance than is allowed by the barrel's construction. Headspace is determined by the extension- a permanently attached extension... a very precision made part. Then the gas port is drilled at the appropriate time and distance on the barrel. Can't be changed. Once it's done, it's done. Sure, the chamber can be lengthened somewhat, but the go-no-go for the nato chamber only allows for +.003", -.000" from nominal.

I received a bolt from PK firearms that came with my Young Mfg N/M BCG (I believe it was a CM bolt). My friend checked for headspace with his gauges and it failed. I sent the bolt back had they exchanged it for another one. We tested and it passed the no-go gauge. So I guess I would disagree that the bolt does not matter.

Yes I check, and over the years, my friend has re-checked his guns and some of them no longer pass the no-go (that once did).

This was in a pre-built bushmaster upper that did not come with the BCG. Obviously even with quality parts there can be tolerance stacking...

Just wondering, does any of you that build your own upper actually check head space? Let's say if the head space is off, unless you own a lathe, how else could you correct the issue?

B

Change the bolt.

[asm_]

Well, that last post had me convince I should check my.

Does any one have a go/no go gauge I can borrow? I can bring my upper to your place.

Oh, yes, I'm in Bakersfield. I do occasionally travel to SoCal area.

Thanks!!

B

[ar15barrels]

The headspace is not any concern o the consumer. Should not be. It is addressed during manufacture, by the folks making the barrel. The EXTENSION is installed and chamber cut to achieve a headspace within tolerance.

Sure, the chamber can be lengthened somewhat, but the go-no-go for the nato chamber only allows for +.003", -.000" from nominal.

Not so.
The barrel is chambered in reference to the shoulder that the extension torques against.
They do not install the extensions and then check headspace and deepen the chamber if needed.
They machine the barrel, chrome line it, torque on the extension, put on the roll markings, parkerize it, then drill the gas port and put on the FSB...

The tolerance on a 5.56 chamber headspace from a go gauge is -0.0000" and +0.0060".

[bcrich]

I was waiting for ^^to chime in, thanks!

[robert101]

Some may laugh or think I'm stupid with this response but here goes. I bought my last LR308 trusting the manufacturer on headspace. I then check headspace by regular shooting and then reloading in normal fashion. I typically get over 10 reloadings per new 308 case. If I were to get fewer reloadings than 10, I would question excessive headspace dimensions.

[TMcGuff]

nope i pull the trigger and it goes bang... thats all i know.

[Mini14]

Hmm I bought a barreled upper from PSA and am getting a WMD bolt today...sounds like I'm good to go then. Been wondering if it needed to be checked with an upper that's been test fired by mfg.

[LMTluvr]

Once when I first bring it home. Ofcourse the last two purchases were LMT and Colt.. They were good to go
I do think it would be a good idea to anyone who assembles an upper, especially with parts from different manufacturers.