Help Ease My Mind

Posted: 2/5/2006 6:31:19 PM EDT

I'm taking my home build out for it's test run next Sat, but am a little nervous about finally shooting live ammo. Other than verifying headspace, which I've done several times now, what else can I function check before I head to the range?

Posted: 2/5/2006 6:51:08 PM EDT

[#1]

How easy does the piston drop?
How does the bolt group ride over an empty mag?
Mag catch work properly?
Does the main springs feel smooth while dry cocking?
How do mags fit in the well?

Just a thought.

Posted: 2/5/2006 7:25:39 PM EDT

[#2]

Piston slide easily, doesn't seem to be hanging up anywhere.

Bolt group catches on the bolt hold open with an empty mag, slams home when I hit the release.

Magazine goes in and comes out easily without too much pressure on the mag release.

Extractor seems a bit tight, could be normal though?

What should the gas setting be to start with? If I'm having cycling problems, do I need to go up or down?

Posted: 2/5/2006 8:12:48 PM EDT

[#3]

Take someone you don't like to the range and offer them the honor of firing it for the first time.

Posted: 2/5/2006 8:49:26 PM EDT

[#4]

If your headspace is good, the only other thing I would check is the barrel timing. As for the gas setting I started out on 4 and ended up at a 5. After the first round its all downhill from there, good luck.

Phil

Posted: 2/5/2006 9:02:21 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
If your headspace is good, the only other thing I would check is the barrel timing. As for the gas setting I started out on 4 and ended up at a 5. After the first round its all downhill from there, good luck.

Phil

If the gas piston slides easily, wouldn't that mean the barrel is timed right?

Posted: 2/5/2006 9:04:55 PM EDT

[#6]

Don't forget this.......

Posted: 2/6/2006 1:35:42 AM EDT

[#7]

Posted: 2/6/2006 4:48:32 AM EDT

[#8]

+1 to P806's checklist
if your piston doesn't bind you should be darn close on the timing. you'll know for sure once / if you start fiddling with that rear sight. (obviously)
when i did my first build i was hesitant too since it practically built itself (DCI 20K range rcvr) and after poring over the FALFiles G&BIY FAQs for months i was geared up for all kinds of trouble.
i even went to the DNR (attended) range in case something went wrong! lol well, kinda

it was fine. still is!
and oh, man - it really is downhill after that first shot!
what's the details on the build? pics?

Posted: 2/6/2006 8:41:43 AM EDT

[#9]

Just shoot it! You'll be fine. I was nervous my first time, too.

Posted: 2/6/2006 8:25:18 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
+1 to P806's checklist
if your piston doesn't bind you should be darn close on the timing. you'll know for sure once / if you start fiddling with that rear sight. (obviously)
when i did my first build i was hesitant too since it practically built itself (DCI 20K range rcvr) and after poring over the FALFiles G&BIY FAQs for months i was geared up for all kinds of trouble.
i even went to the DNR (attended) range in case something went wrong! lol well, kinda
it was fine. still is!
and oh, man - it really is downhill after that first shot!
what's the details on the build? pics?

STG-58 built on an Entreprise Type III receiver
Penguin blemished furniture set
Tapco Gas Piston
Can't remember the manufacture on the H/T/S, but they came from Gunpartsguy.com

Posted: 2/7/2006 4:57:37 AM EDT

[#11]

cool...
so, what's your shopping list look like for the next one?? lol

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help Ease My Mind

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