FAL headspace issue. - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - FAL headspace issue.

Posted: 1/17/2020 9:24:42 PM EDT

Putting an Imbel barrel on a new DS Arms receiver, can't close the bolt with my smallest pin garage, a .253" and Go gauge. Doesn't look like that small is a common shoulder size anyway, unless custom from DS Arms.

What gives? There isn't a spacer/washer that goes between the barrel and receiver, is there?

Posted: 1/18/2020 12:29:09 AM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
Putting an Imbel barrel on a new DS Arms receiver, can't close the bolt with my smallest pin garage, a .253" and Go gauge. Doesn't look like that small is a common shoulder size anyway, unless custom from DS Arms.

What gives? There isn't a spacer/washer that goes between the barrel and receiver, is there?

View Quote

No, not normally. I've only seen that done to fix a timing issue.

Definitely an unusual locking shoulder size, but it happens. Arizona Response Systems has surplus locking shoulders under .253 in stock. I think the smallest Mark has is .249.

Posted: 1/23/2020 4:42:03 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Putting an Imbel barrel on a new DS Arms receiver, can't close the bolt with my smallest pin garage, a .253" and Go gauge. Doesn't look like that small is a common shoulder size anyway, unless custom from DS Arms.

What gives? There isn't a spacer/washer that goes between the barrel and receiver, is there?

View Quote

Not on metric bbls, no.

This was pretty common from DSA for a while.

Posted: 1/24/2020 7:04:35 AM EDT

[#3]

I know I’m opening probably the biggest can of worms in the FAL world but since the locking pin is through hardened can’t just carefully file the flat face of the pin until the bolt closes on the go-gauge?

Posted: 1/24/2020 6:04:11 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know I’m opening probably the biggest can of worms in the FAL world but since the locking pin is through hardened can’t just carefully file the flat face of the pin until the bolt closes on the go-gauge?

View Quote

I use a mill, but yes, as long as the angle is maintained and the face is kept flat, sure.

You'll need a quality file.

Posted: 1/24/2020 7:43:08 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
I use a mill, but yes, as long as the angle is maintained and the face is kept flat, sure.

You'll need a quality file.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I know I’m opening probably the biggest can of worms in the FAL world but since the locking pin is through hardened can’t just carefully file the flat face of the pin until the bolt closes on the go-gauge?

I use a mill, but yes, as long as the angle is maintained and the face is kept flat, sure.

You'll need a quality file.

As stated, you can do it this way. But, having done it, it is a very slow process and very difficult
to keep the angle correct, flat and true. Last couple I have done with a milling machine.

Posted: 1/24/2020 7:57:21 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

As stated, you can do it this way. But, having done it, it is a very slow process and very difficult
to keep the angle correct, flat and true. Last couple I have done with a milling machine.

View Quote

Setting them up free hand in the mill takes quite a while also. Less tiring though!

I usually stop a thou short and then hand finish with the fine stone from my Lansky kit...rounding the edges a bit.

I haven't had to do this in at least 3 years though...precious few FAL kits needing to be built anymore.

Posted: 1/25/2020 12:35:24 PM EDT

[#7]

I brought it up because I’ve done it a few times partly free hand with a diamond file set also when using DSArms receivers.

Then after a few range sessions when the rifles were complete I’d order that size locking shoulder and replace.

Posted: 1/25/2020 9:40:20 PM EDT

[#8]

Buy the correct locking shoulder and never look back.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - FAL headspace issue.

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