checking "headspace" i think its called

[tercel89]

whats is meant by checking "headspace" on surplus rifles? I think thats the term i have heard before, but not sure. Is it the checking of the bore to see if a shell casing is good and snug and not overly loose?

[m2hmghb]

Headspace is the measure of length in a chamber. Checking headspace means that you are measuring the length of the chamber making sure that it is not to sort nor to long according to set specifications. There are 3 gauges used go, no-go, and field. The bolt should close on a go gauge. With the no-go gauge the bolt should not close, but you can shoot a gun that closes on a no-go; but there may be problems. Most people and smiths only use these 2 gauges. The field gauge is the longest, if it closes on a field gauge you do NOT want to shoot the weapon since the headspace is to long and the cartridge may rupture when fired.

[tercel89]

thnaks , the reason i ask is that i am ready to go buy one of the Mosin-nagant M-44's i saw the other day at a nearby shop . I read about headspace but most people say that most surplus weapons that still are in good order ususally have normal chambers .What do you think?

[Bushbacker]

Originally posted by tercel89
but most people say that most surplus weapons that still are in good order ususally have normal chambers .What do you think?

That's probably true, but the key word there is "most". What if you get one that has a problem?

[dru22]

NOt meaning to hijack or anything, but is there a way to check headspace without afore mentioned guages?

Father gave me a Mosin Nagant 91/30 for christmas....

[m2hmghb]

Some gunsmiths will do it for free, others charge a small fee. There may be some tricks to it, but I dont know them.

[Bushbacker]

This thread has some good info.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=253585

[dru22]

Thanks for the info! !
I'll have to check that out....can't wait to shoot this thing!