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Posted: 5/5/2005 4:40:31 PM EDT
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There seems to be some controversy over whether or not to check headspace after replacing bolt / barrel or on a new build. Some say you must, some say you don't have to. The ones who say you must disagree about which gauge you should use, etc. Some think you should check for too much headspace, others say too little. Well, this has been argued back and forth, and I really don't want to beat on that dead horse. So, what I want to know is: How many people didn't check theirs and just shot? Did you have any problems? Also, I would like to hear from those who did check their headspace, and whether or not they found an issue with their headspace that needed to be corrected. Need some real info here, please no hearsay (I know someone who said they knew someone...) Thanks |
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I just know that the AR-15 build guide in this forum says that it shouldn't be necessary to check headspace. However, many people feel that you should "Just to be on the safe side" But what I really want to know is, has anyone ever found a legitimate problem with the headspace on an AR-15? I hear alot of theory, and "better safe than sorry" mentality, but what I would like to hear is that someone checked their headspace, and found that it was dangerously off. I have never heard that. I guess that would help settle for us all whether it is really necessary or not. It's kinda like getting a shot every year for a disease that has never been found in the western hemisphere! Of all the AR-15's that are built every year, If no one can point me to a time that they discovered a problem in which a rifle was unsafe to fire because the headspace was too tight, then I would assume that it is not necessary to check. On the other hand, if someone could present this evidence, then it would make me feel better about spending the cash to get a gauge, and going through the trouble of removing the extractor, etc. and actually checking it. Not trying to be a  but I have not been able to find any solid information one way or the other.Thanks |
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First off, your gun will not blow up. (Aside: Ever heard of fireforming brass?) Do commercial rounds chamber and extract? Then there is sufficient headspace. After firing, is there a shiny band just above the base indicating incipient head separation? No? Then headspace is not excessive. Go shoot. |
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