I bought some headspace gauges from Brownells (7.62x39) and tried to headspace a couple of builds.  My problem is that the bolt is not closing on the gauges completely.

However on a live bullet the bolt closes completely with no play of the bolt.

WTF is happening with the gauges that they will not seat in the chamber completely but an actual bullet will without issue?

Bullet (closed completely)



Go Gauge (almost closed)



No Go Gauge (Bolt closes the same amount as a bullet with .006 of post-it-note on the back (ghetto gauge)) (barely starts to lock up)



Are these builds fine, or am I going to blow my face off?

edit:  pic, and some  verbage
edited: title

Are these builds fine, or am I going to blow my face off?

Ok the good news is....

Headspace guages are a nice bonus but after..un let me see (20+) kits builds of various types - Having matching bolts, trunions and barrels you stand very little chance of screwing up.

On the other hand there is a chance...so the good news here is ...

Doctors recently completed a full face transplant! let it be known that should and accident occur you can simply have a new face stitched on and move on with life. Pretty cool or what?

You look good....

You are Golden.

I have FEW builds that will close on a US GO gauge.  The definitive test is about 3 live rounds (NO FIRING PIN IN THE BOLT!) as you have done.

Your kits have EXCELLENT minimum headspace.  You want that.  From the pics, the GO is closing just about as much as it should.

Well . . . . things didn't go so well . . . . . . .


I am just joking, I am fine.    Although the $25.42 bill from the range was a bit of a shock considering I spent a hole 15 minutes there.

They both ran like a rapped ape!  Hell they even ran better than my Siaga.  

Now  . . . . what to paint them with . . . . .   hummmmmm

Quoted: Well . . . . things didn't go so well . . . . . . . www.ccmep.org/2003_articles/Palestine/tom3.jpg Heh! That ETT isn't secured correctly.  Once you get better I know a good lawyer that will get you a settlement for the larygno trauma you have suffered. Oh I think your golden w/the head spacing as well I am just joking, I am fine.    Although the $25.42 bill from the range was a bit of a shock considering I spent a hole 15 minutes there. They both ran like a rapped ape!  Hell they even ran better than my Siaga.   Now  . . . . what to paint them with . . . . .   hummmmmm

That was mean.... but I'm glad your build was tight & worked well :)  Seriously - it sounds and looks as though you got a first class kit, and did a great job building it :)