Bolt & Receiver Head Spacing

[McNally M.]

Hey guys,

I am curious, is there is a way to tell that a bolt action rifle has incorrect head spacing between the bolt and the receiver. The reason I ask is because I am in the process of acquiring a rifle that reportedly has a bolt that ever so slightly wiggles when the bolt has been locked into the receiver in ready to fire mode. Is this an indication that the head spacing may be an issue?

I have been told that with military refurbed rifles like the Yugo Mauser I am referring to for most part have no issue with head spacing. But my concern is that the bolt is not matching with the receiver so there is a slightly greater chance of improper spacing.

[pro-nra]

Whenever the bolt or the barrel is changed on a rifle, headspace should be checked with a GO headspace gauge (everyone should have one). When a barrel is installed it is finished reamed to the bolt to close on a Go gauge. If the bolt is changed during the life of the rifle then headspace should again be be check to make sure the replacement bolt will headspace properly (GO & NO-GO then FIELD). Understanding headspace is of utmost importance when dealing with MilSurp firearms made many decades ago.

[tujungatoes]

Yes. They're called headspace gauges. You can purchase them from brownells or midway.

There are three(go, no-go, and field). Many(most?) surplus military rifles have somewhat roomy chambers, and will close on a no-go gauge. As long as the bolt doesn't close on the field gauge your rifle is safe to shoot. If you find yourself collecting mausers it would be in your best interest to purchase at least the field gauge.

[OpenSightsOnly]

non-issue

a bolt that wiggles while in battery is not an indication that you have a head space problem.

Having owned a few 8mm, i swapped the bolts and head spaced each combo, all passed.

Provided you have good 8mm ammo, your best bet is to test fire the rifle if you do not have a head space gauge.

good luck

Hey guys,

I am curious, is there is a way to tell that a bolt action rifle has incorrect head spacing between the bolt and the receiver. The reason I ask is because I am in the process of acquiring a rifle that reportedly has a bolt that ever so slightly wiggles when the bolt has been locked into the receiver in ready to fire mode. Is this an indication that the head spacing may be an issue?

I have been told that with military refurbed rifles like the Yugo Mauser I am referring to for most part have no issue with head spacing. But my concern is that the bolt is not matching with the receiver so there is a slightly greater chance of improper spacing.

[McNally M.]

Thanks for your help guys. I am currently in the process of buying some head space gauges. It makes the most sense since I have so many 8mm surplus rifles waiting to me fired.

I'm glad to hear that the wiggly bolt is not an indication of a head space problem.

[littlejake]

Provided you have good 8mm ammo, your best bet is to test fire the rifle if you do not have a head space gauge.

I hope by test fire you do not mean put it up to your cheek and fire it. I wouldn't put any rifle that close to my face that hasn't had its headspace checked. I do not want a face full of brass and hot gas in the event of a case rupture. And, I do have all 3 gauges for the calibers I'm interested in.

[OpenSightsOnly]

I hope by test fire you do not mean put it up to your cheek and fire it. I wouldn't put any rifle that close to my face that hasn't had its headspace checked. I do not want a face full of brass and hot gas in the event of a case rupture. And, I do have all 3 gauges for the calibers I'm interested in.

For 8mm, the early 50's of 8mm Yugo will give hot gas treatment since brass quality aint that consistent.

I got that hot gas from a head spaced rifle since the primer pocket leaked then the the brass cracked. Pretty typical for the surplus ammo, but with a Mauser 98 action the gas venting system is superb.

Haven't had an issue with head space with the 98 action even after switching the bolt. I the Forsters head space gauges for 8mm, 7.62 X 51, and 6.5 Swedish.

For the most part, I think the head space concern is a bit over hyped.

7.5 Swiss doesn't have a SAMMI head space gauge and but that doesn't stop me form buying swiss rifles.