Help... AR headspace???

[rb0331]

I have a question about headspace for an AR15. I am buying a Daniel Defense barrel and a yankee hill upper receiver. My question is do i need to check headspace when putting the barrel on the receiver or is it just setting the proper torque on the torque wrench and screwing on the barrel nut? What do i need to do to make sure its done right?

[AEnemaBay]

I would say that 99% of the time if you have correct torque on the barrel nut that the headspace will be within acceptable range. However, purchasing a good headspace gauge is cheap insurance to getting your face blown off if your rifle falls withing that 1%.

I have seen quite a few M16's with way out of whack headspace while in the armory, but those rifles have seen a lot more rounds.

[nicoroshi]

Where are you located?
I have the go, no-go, and field headspace gauges for .223.
I am in the bay area.
If you're close to me I would be willing to loan them to you to check.

[rb0331]

I'm in so cal. Thanks for the offer though.

[nicoroshi]

Oh well, I tried.
Could always do the 'quick, and dirty' headspace check like I have done countless times with my AK builds.
From my Forster Gauges for .223>>>
Go=1.4636
No-Go=1.4666
Field=1.4696

Difference between go, and no-go =.003
Difference between go, and field =.006

Three layers of scotch tape=.005

How I 'cave-man' check headspace on my AK builds.
(give the video a minute to load)

http://firingsquad.us/albums/Nico-Personal/Caveman_headspace_check.mov

Should at least let you know that the rifle is in safe tolerance to fire.
Remember to strip the bolt of firing pin, and extractor as well as clean the bolt face, and chamber (really well). Then only use light pressure to push it forward. It is possible to slam a no-go gauge into a chamber that is in spec so remember to use light pressure (one finger) when pushing forward.