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Posted: 1/15/2014 5:13:05 AM EDT
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So I recently bought all the parts and had a smith put an AR together for me. After the first range trip, I realized that the extractor pin on my spikes bolt was stuck. They ended up sending me a new bolt. The BCM barrel now has 200 rounds on it.
If you were me, would you take the rifle to a smith and pay them to check head-space before shooting? Would you just shoot it? Would you do something else? I didn't check head-space the first time because based on what I read it is prudent, but not necessary when parts are from quality manufactures and all new. I'm not sure what to do this time. I would rather not spend the money, but I don't want my new gun blowing up either. Please advise. Thanks. |
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Any time a new barrel, barrel extension, and bolt combination is assembled, headspace should be checked.
If all parts are built within specifications, headspace will be good. How much faith do you have that those three parts are built within specifications? 200 rounds should not cause enough wear to effect headspace. |
| don't worry about it, 200rds is nothing. I swapped bolts once at 500rds and checked the headspace before shooting the gun and it was fine. If you want to make sure you could buy a gauge, they are cheap. Just make sure to get one for a 5.56 chamber, I was told using a .223 gauge in a 5.56 chamber will give false readings. |
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When in doubt, headspace it.
We're all about 99% sure you're fine, but in the event you just happened to get that 1% of the time when sometthing left the factory when it shouldn't have, you could have a problem. Remember there's 50,000 psi of pressure going on right next to your face every time you pull the trigger. If 1% is low enough for you then make your choice. When in doubt, check it -at least them you'll know for sure without question. |
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the field gauge is the same for 223/5.56 IIRC. you could buy just a field gauge. now this would be handy if you are looking at heavily used rifles,just to make sure they are safe. or after thousands upon THOUSANDS of rounds,then you could see if its still "safe"
Good companies already check the specs after they install the barrel extension,from what I have heard If your dealing with installing new barrel extensions and barrels,it would be a must to get a high end set.they can be over $200 and I do believe those do have different sets for 223 and 5.56 chamberings. you should be fine anyhow.never seen one out of spec,myself |
| The three gauges listed in the military specifications is 1.4646 for the Go Gauge and 1.4706 for the No-Go Gauge for new barrels that have had a HPT round fired through them. And, 1.4736 or the Colt Field II Gauge measures the maximum headspace a chamber can be before it is excessive. |
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