Headspace checking a Mosin...please help

[opos]

I just got a decent Mosin 91/30 that is numbers matching and other than a dark bbl seems to be ok...but I'm cautious and wonder if having it headspace checked is a good idea? If so does anyone know of someone that can do that in San Diego? I checked Gusslers and he doesn't have the gauges...I hate to buy gauges for one gun that will probably be the only one I have...I would pay or could swap some factory 38 special ammo for someone ... whatever..many thanks
opos

[Drabnor]

I have a gauge but I'm near Temecula...

[chknlyps2]

I have read you can use layers of clear packing tape over the end of a spent case. not sure on how many layers is go or no go though.

[-hanko]

I have read you can use layers of clear packing tape over the end of a spent case. not sure on how many layers is go or no go though.

Nor are you sure of the dimension of the spent case.

OP, if it were mine and I had a function question, I'd get to the boonies with a tire and some paracord and pull the trigger from 20 feet back.

I've not seen or heard of a headspace issue on imported 91/30's...you could call the importer (probably CAI and ask them if that's something they check).

-hanko

[BenHa]

Where are you located in SD I have a Field headgauge for the mosin

[MalC]

http://www.okiegauges.com/ <---Awesome guy, I talked to him for about 20 minutes about my 91/30 and he offered all sorts of useful advice on topics other than headspace... very friendly and a good guy to deal with. His gauges have a notch so you don't have to remove the extractor or anything, just pop it in and close the bolt. You only need the field gauge for milsurps, it's worth it IMO and you'll probably end up buying another Mosin

[Capybara]

Jeez, a Field Headspace Gauge from Amazon is all of $26.00 and they do overnight delivery. Every Mosin owner should have one because once Mosinitis sets in, you are buying more.

[billmaykafer]

i have go and field guage. i live kearney mesa area of san diego. i am retired so am usually home. i can teach you how to check and lots of other stuff about the mosin nagant rifles and carbines.

[NOTABIKER]

referbs had head space checked before storage, never had a problem with a single mosin [ 9 ] i bought. if it chambers and ejects properly shoot it and look at the spent cartridge. if the firing pin mark is not to deep and it fires i do not see a problem.
i tend to not get overly worried about such things though.

[Kurus214]

This helped me - I just ordered the gages, I'm in LA so too far from SD.
I just picked up my replacement 91/30 and would like to headspace it, 1937 Tula.
Turns out my first one had mismatched the bolt face - besides being 'bent' according to the smith - the tool marks were Izimash on the barrel but the bolt face was a Tula.
Probalby won't have another problem but it's cheap enough and I'll bet I'll get another one or two.

What's a good bore light ?

[G-Man WC]

Jeez, a Field Head Gauge from Amazon is all of $26.00 and they do overnight delivery. Every Mosin owner should have one because once Mosinitis sets in, you are buying more.

I like the way you think Capy!

-g

[opos]

Thanks to everyone that offered ideas and assistance...made contact with Bill M. and I'm going to go to his place in a day or two and take a look...also get some other info on this fire pole....thanks again
opos

[C&Rtrader]

FWIW... having a mismatched bolt face and reciever is pretty common. That usually isnt a reason for alarm.

Beware mosins tend to multiply rapidly.

[Fate]

Turns out my first one had mismatched the bolt face - besides being 'bent' according to the smith - the tool marks were Izimash on the barrel but the bolt face was a Tula.

Refurbs are mixmasters, but the headspace on Mosin Nagants is so sloppy the cases of finding one out of spec are virtually nil, regardless of which manufacturer made the parts.

If you must check, only the field gauge is needed (or should be trusted). Modern "Go" and "No go" specs are different than military surplus and thus your reading will be inaccurate.

Your gunsmith probably doesn't know Mosins. The extractor is supposed to look "bent."

[OniKoroshi]

Of the many I have checked 3 have been iffy on the "no gauge" and all passed the "field gauge"

I usually bring the no gauge to gun shows as a bargaining tool. Then again none have failed. Lulz