Do you get your Head Space checked before you shoot?

[michaelj1978]

I have a Mosin M44 that I've shot without getting the headspace checked before. After about 50 rounds the bolt has become very hard to close with a round in the chamber and extract after I shoot the round. It's really become a two handed beat on it operation.. I'm going to get the headspace checked and see if it's to spec. The gun is in good shape but the bore is a little pitted.

I also have a K31 that's excellent and a VZ24 Mauser on the way from AIM.

Should I also spend the extra 25 bucks on each of them and get the headspace checked?

How important is it? And do you all get it checked before you shoot your old military surplus's?

[LonghornGlock]

I probably should but I've never done it even with my old Turkish mausers. I just clean up the gun very well and inspect the bolt, lugs, general condition of the chamber. Make sure the bolt closes snug and then for a first fire I say a little prayer to my Lord and Savior and do the "Southern ingenuity" fireing test!;) BTW I love your avatar! ;f

[kf4zra]

if you local shop charges $25 to headspace a gun, save the money and buy the gauges for yourself.

[Russ in PA]

I just bought a Swiss K31 carbine. As the bolt is serial numbered to the receiver, I won't bother having the headspace checked. YMMV.

[Rigormootis]

I should, but I don't... <knock on wood>

[aaronrkelly]

Originally posted by michaelj1978
I have a Mosin M44 that I've shot without getting the headspace checked before. After about 50 rounds the bolt has become very hard to close with a round in the chamber and extract after I shoot the round. It's really become a two handed beat on it operation.. I'm going to get the headspace checked and see if it's to spec. The gun is in good shape but the bore is a little pitted.

I also have a K31 that's excellent and a VZ24 Mauser on the way from AIM.

Should I also spend the extra 25 bucks on each of them and get the headspace checked?

How important is it? And do you all get it checked before you shoot your old military surplus's?

I dont bother with the headspace check - I know I should but I dont. I had a few of my M44s do what your is and found the problem to be build up of lacquer from the cases. Builds up at the chamber entrance and makes things hard to close and operate.....

[jonathon]

If the parts are 100% matching, you are okay.

If not matching or electrostenciled on.. I have them headspaced.. my smith does it for free so. I had an electro stenciled 91/30 that didn't headspace good...

[Razoreye]

Originally posted by jonathon
If the parts are 100% matching, you are okay.

If not matching or electrostenciled on.. I have them headspaced.. my smith does it for free so. I had an electro stenciled 91/30 that didn't headspace good...
+1

My smithie was outta town and the guy there couldn't find the gauge for 7.6x54R... ;Q He told me since the parts matched it should be okay but to be sure I could cut a slit in a tire and place the gun in the tire with a string attached to the trigger and let her rip. Inspect the casing myself to see if it was normal. Needless to say I just shot it since they all matched. ;f

Look at http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/ or something rather for all your needs. The stickiness is just the stuff the Russians put in it for long term storage. Best advice is shoot until it STARTS to stick and clean vigorously with a chamber brush and repeat until stickiness goes away. The heat from the round melts the sticky goo making it harder to operate the bolt but easier to clean.

It took me 3 seperate occasions to finally clean the gunk out. I used a 20 gauge bore brush that fit the chamber nice enough but wrecked the brush. I don't have a 20 so I don't care about that.