Renting of headspace gauges?

[8391JE]

I've searched the internet but I can only find headspace gauge rentals at https://www.reamerrentals.com. They don't have the 9x19 mm Luger and 9x18 mm Markarov headspace gauges that I need. Any suggestions?

[kendog4570]

https://4drentals.com/products/reamer-rentals/pistol/

[smoothy8500]

Haven't rented from 4D, but I have from ReamerRentals. If you are concerned about headspace, then it's well worth the rental fee.

Read up on how to properly use gauges. Some people do dumb stuff like forcing the bolt closed or dropping the gauge on cement floors. The rental place will look closely upon return for any damage.

[kendog4570]

Both Elk Ridge and 4 D have turned the biz over to young'uns. They are both about the same for customer service. I have used both.Sometimes stellar, sometimes not. Dont see how they could screw up a gauge rental, unless they send the wrong ones. OP, just rent the gauges and throw away your tape. By the way, If you do drop a properly hardened gauge on the cement floor, it's the floor that will suffer most.

[8391JE]

Some people do dumb stuff like forcing the bolt closed

Can you tell me a bit more about this please? I've done research on this and from what I understand you place the gauge in the chamber and you try to close the bolt on the GO/NO GO gauge. My understanding is that it isn't necessary to remove an extractor or ejector from the bolt (as is said in this Brownells SMythBuster video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycOg575P6zQ). Do you mean people try to really force the bolt on the NO GO gauge when it isn't closing on a chamber that's in spec or force the bolt closed when it isn't closing on a GO gauge when the chamber is out of spec?

Thanks

[smoothy8500]

Yeah, working at a shop years ago saw some dumb stuff. At least you did some research. Yes, people "force" the bolt closed on a bolt action for example. Generally the force applied should be equivalent to a light finger pressure. Yes, it can be forced closed. Others don't remove the ejector or don't snap the extractor over the rim (if present) and feel resistance-assuming a "failure".
Garands, M14/M1A, and AR10 you should fully strip the bolt to check.

Edit: I see you are talking about pistols, so it's just clip it in under the extractor and check.

[ar15barrels]

Can you tell me a bit more about this please?
I've done research on this and from what I understand you place the gauge in the chamber and you try to close the bolt on the GO/NO GO gauge.
My understanding is that it isn't necessary to remove an extractor or ejector from the bolt (as is said in this Brownells SMythBuster video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycOg575P6zQ).
Do you mean people try to really force the bolt on the NO GO gauge when it isn't closing on a chamber that's in spec or force the bolt closed when it isn't closing on a GO gauge when the chamber is out of spec?

Yes, people will force the gauge when the action does not want to close easily.
An example is dropping a gauge in an AR and then releasing the bolt carrier under the full spring pressure of the buffer.
The bolt will force itself to close.
That's NOT how you are supposed to do it.
The proper method with an AR is to place the gauge under the extractor and feed the gauge into the chamber and gently push on the rear of the bolt carrier with one finger.

You need to FEEL the bolt stopping or not stopping on the gauge as you gently try to close the bolt.
If you want a definition of gently, lets say 1-2lbs of force trying to close the breech.
If the headspace gauge is under tension from any springs, that is effecting the FEEL and you are not gauging properly.
Headspace gauges can be notched to clear a spring loaded ejector or a spring loaded ejector should be removed if the gauge is not notched. Some gauges even come notched to clear ejectors and/or extractors.
Fixed ejectors do not need to be removed as they generally do not effect the FEEL of the gauging.
Most extractors do not effect the feel but any extractor that is in contact with the gauge or causing the gauge to be tight in the breech should be removed while gauging. Some examples would be Mauser type bolt actions and M1911's and almost every controlled-feed action.