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8/27/2012 6:38:01 PM EDT
Thinking about building an upper rather than buy a completed one.  I see alot of places offer a "matched" BCG or wording similar to that.  What does that mean actually?  Just talk to sell me their bolt over someone else's?
8/27/2012 8:17:53 PM EDT
[#1]
It means the head space was checked/set with that particular bolt/barrel combo.
8/28/2012 4:07:22 AM EDT
[#2]
So this is something I can do myself?
8/28/2012 4:23:56 AM EDT
[#3]
You can check headspace, but if you want it tight buy the combo.
8/28/2012 5:55:05 AM EDT
[#4]
Can you explain further?
8/28/2012 8:04:54 AM EDT
[#5]
All the matched sets I have bought were right at minimum headspace.
8/30/2012 7:28:48 AM EDT
[#6]
Unless they cut a tight chamber, a bolt that is in spec should not present a headspace issue on a new barrel.  So it's not really necessary to buy a matched set, per se, but it is nice as an option.  I've taken advantage of that option when offered.  Of course, it never hurts to check your headspace on a new build.
8/30/2012 2:09:25 PM EDT
[#7]
"Matched" = B.S.   Just buy good quality parts and they will headspace just fine.  Any barrel cut with a 5.56 chamber is going to have axial slop anyway regardless of the head-to-shoulder length.  A .223 chamber will be tighter overall based on its specified dimensions
8/30/2012 4:06:23 PM EDT
[#8]
So using a gauge to check headspace is a good idea. Guess I need one one of them.
8/30/2012 8:03:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Actually that would be gages. Which ones would depend on what the weapon is chambered for and which ammo you are going use with it.
You should go to the SAAMI site and read up.
A general web search will return lots of good reading also.
This is a subject that generates lots of energetic discussion as even people who should be pros on the subject will have conflicting views.
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