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Just Finished my first AR build... And I was wondering....
2/8/2012 4:32:35 PM
I know the the AR parts are pretty universal and easier to build than many other firearms, but did you guys have a gunsmith check your AR out before you shot it for the first time?
I'm pretty sure I'm just being paranoid... All my parts have been tested before they were sent to me, and my barrel has been headspaced to the receiver. My lower came put together from Del-Ton and so did my upper (also from DTI) and I just got a couple days ago my completed M16 BCG from Bravo Company that has a HP and MP tested bolt, and my carrier has the scratches on the bottom, so it was tested.. I'm pretty sure I'm all good, but better safe than sorry, what do you think?
16" M4 Profile - 5.56
I'm pretty sure I'm just being paranoid... All my parts have been tested before they were sent to me, and my barrel has been headspaced to the receiver. My lower came put together from Del-Ton and so did my upper (also from DTI) and I just got a couple days ago my completed M16 BCG from Bravo Company that has a HP and MP tested bolt, and my carrier has the scratches on the bottom, so it was tested.. I'm pretty sure I'm all good, but better safe than sorry, what do you think?
16" M4 Profile - 5.56
2/8/2012 4:42:38 PM
You don't need a gun plumber to check your work.
Like you said the important tests are done by the manufacturers.
If the bolt and barrel extension are in spec then the headspace will be correct too.
BTW I was a litte tense when I pulled the trigger for the first time on my first build but everything worked just fine.
Like you said the important tests are done by the manufacturers.
If the bolt and barrel extension are in spec then the headspace will be correct too.
BTW I was a litte tense when I pulled the trigger for the first time on my first build but everything worked just fine.
2/8/2012 6:17:29 PM
Originally Posted By Mike_314:
You don't need a gun plumber to check your work.
Like you said the important tests are done by the manufacturers.
If the bolt and barrel extension are in spec then the headspace will be correct too.
BTW I was a litte tense when I pulled the trigger for the first time on my first build but everything worked just fine.
You don't need a gun plumber to check your work.
Like you said the important tests are done by the manufacturers.
If the bolt and barrel extension are in spec then the headspace will be correct too.
BTW I was a litte tense when I pulled the trigger for the first time on my first build but everything worked just fine.
This... with each build.
2/9/2012 11:03:05 AM
use snap caps to see if it will load a round and eject one. If it passes function test, safety is operable, and chamber/bore is clean it seems like the only thing after that is test fire. I would put an empty mag in and charge the rifle to make sure the bolt stays open. Am I missing anything?
I did this with a brand new ASSEMBLED rifle that I got around Christmas time.
I did this with a brand new ASSEMBLED rifle that I got around Christmas time.
2/9/2012 2:26:39 PM
Checking headspace is a basic safety measure and IMO a necessary check for building weapons a person wants the best accuracy from.
The barrels are set to a spec when the barrel extension is put on, but headspace is actually measured from the face of the bolt to a point in the chamber. So true headspace can only be measured with the bolt that will be used with the barrel. The specs for both the barrel assembly and the bolt have tolerances. These tolerances and other factors add up to variations in headspace when the two items are put together, especially when different manufacturers are used.
I have never seen or heard of a new barrel and new bolt combination being unsafe to fire, but the potential is there. I have seen a new barrel/bolt fail the SAAMI NoGo gage.
The barrels are set to a spec when the barrel extension is put on, but headspace is actually measured from the face of the bolt to a point in the chamber. So true headspace can only be measured with the bolt that will be used with the barrel. The specs for both the barrel assembly and the bolt have tolerances. These tolerances and other factors add up to variations in headspace when the two items are put together, especially when different manufacturers are used.
I have never seen or heard of a new barrel and new bolt combination being unsafe to fire, but the potential is there. I have seen a new barrel/bolt fail the SAAMI NoGo gage.
2/9/2012 4:19:03 PM
All great info, this has made me feel a lot better! As of today I have now completed my build with my carry handle, and I'll go shoot it Saturday! (without the help of a "gun plumber" Haha!) ;) And I'll let you all know how it turns out!
Thanks for helpin' a guy out,
Joel
Thanks for helpin' a guy out,
Joel
2/9/2012 4:20:52 PM
Yeah I checked to see if it would chamber, and it did.. And it also held the bolt back with the empty mag in it... Don't have any snap caps though...
2/12/2012 9:59:53 PM
Hey guys I shot it Saturday! I was hoping I wouldn't HAVE to shoot in the snow, but of course it snowed all day Saturday... Shot beautifully with zero malfunctions in my 60 rounds (I know I'm harcore, lol) Next time I'll have to zero my sights in, loving this rifle!!
