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7/23/2008 12:35:13 AM EDT
Hey Guys,

So I finally got some Manson CIP 7.62x39 GO and NO GO Gauges to test the headspacing on my Romy build. Like the title says, it's a matching numbers kit (from 1981). Well after hours of blood, sweat, and tears, and thinking I was finally done, my headspacing seems to be off hen
Bolt with empty chamber:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/8B2LGJH9XP/BoltNone.jpg

Bolt with GO Gauge:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/LB1W8L1086/BoltGo.jpg

Bolt with NO GO Gauge:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/V78T3YK687/BoltNoGo.jpg


Here are some pictures of the underside of the bolt through the magwell, so you can see the bolt position in regards to rotation


Bolt with empty chamber:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/VM372H7A9T/BoltNoneUnder.jpg

Bolt with Go Gauge:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/U3R06E09V9/BoltGoUnder.jpg

Bolt with NO GO Gauge:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/BD6P8M0KGS/BoltNoGoUnder.jpg


When I place the stripped bolt in the bolt carrier, and try to close the bolt, I cannot get a full closure for either the GO or NO GO Gauges


BCG with empty chamber:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/C83Y6U12V9/BCGNone.jpg

BCG with Go Gauge:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/F3O69V2385/BCGGo.jpg

BCG with NO GO Gauge:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/BUWUV68R38/BCGNoGo.jpg


Here's just a pic of the bolt (with pretty clean bolt face) and the 2 gauges:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/9KSS34P7K1/BoltandGauges.jpg


As of now, I don't have any live rounds I can test with (without the firing pin installed), but if it's a viable option, I don't mind going out to get a box or two. (I didn't really care about getting ammo before the build, just in case something went horribly wrong). These are already CIP (Euro) spec'd gauges, so I'm assuming they're already pretty forgiving. I'd be pretty bummed out to find out that I had to re-headspace, but if I do have to, what would I have to do? Is it something that's better left to a gunsmith?
Thanks guys.
7/23/2008 5:00:53 AM EDT
[#1]
Have you looked at this thread?www.ak47.net/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=51&t=109245
7/23/2008 6:01:07 AM EDT
[#2]
Take a look at my thread "IS THIS SAFE".  I was having similar problems.  My stripped bolt in the carrier is a tight close on the go gauge.  It almost takes some force to close it down.  Your pictures of the bolt look very similar to mine.  I put 5 live rounds in and it closed like a champ on each round.  Carefully try the live round test, and see what you get.  Some of the guys here on the forum have noted that the US go gauge almost never closes perfectly.  Another member offered advice that 30 rounds could be shot and cases inspected.  As another member said "its your build, not mine" its up to you how safe you think it is.          
7/23/2008 4:07:10 PM EDT
[#3]
It certainly has been a recent topic and perhaps should be tacked or at least something that addresses this common issue.  It is only going to get more common as people start having to put in new/different barrels since kits with barrels are drying up.  The issue you are showing like Don had in my opinion should be fine so long as you can chamber rounds.  Enjoy your build it will most definitely be loads of fun once you get it completed.
7/23/2008 4:14:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for the replies!

Yea, I saw that (Don's) thread, but he mentioned he was using US Gauges which are less forgiving. I figured that since my gauges were CIP, the fact they weren't closing on THOSE made me think my problem was even worse.

I went out and got some ammo, and it seemed to lock up fine.

With only the stripped bolt, it locked up a LOT better than with the GO Gauge. It didn't require much, if any, force at all. It looks like it completely locks to me:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/243BB86I8R/BoltLive.jpg

Another Magwell Pic (Sorry, these pictures aren't as clear. The lighting was horrible):
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/X53D13NHM9/BoltLiveUnder.jpg

Now for the full BCG. This thing slid in like butter, and looks like it fully closed:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/KY0MQ1S0G2/BCGLive.jpg

Ammo used to test:
http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/P1211V570X/LiveRnds.jpg


I was told that gauges are intentionally longer.
I agree, diver, a thread on the matter should be tacked. I guess when there's a chance of a round exploding in my face due to bad headspacing, and the $30 pieces of metal tell me the bolt wont close, I get a little nervous
7/23/2008 5:02:08 PM EDT
[#5]
GOOD POINT DIVER! With kits drying up and people grabbing what they can to put a build together, it could get dangerous.  
7/24/2008 8:34:51 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
GOOD POINT DIVER! With kits drying up and people grabbing what they can to put a build together, it could get dangerous.  


Good luck getting somebody to write a thread saying go ahead and try some new ammo if your rifle doesnt close on go and nogo gauges :D

Thats a liability I wouldnt want :D
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