Head-Space Check?

HumbleEinstein · Jan 15, 2014

So I recently bought all the parts and had a smith put an AR15 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.

clandestine · Jan 15, 2014

Anytime a new bolt head is installed the headspace should be checked. The headspace should be checked every 5k rounds as well IMO.

BUFF7MM · Jan 15, 2014

HumbleEinstein said:
So I recently bought all the parts and had a smith put an AR15 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.

What's cheaper, a trip to a smith or a new gun which is now on the banned list.

shaddydan · Jan 15, 2014

Is checking headspace an in and out kind of service or leave for a few weeks etc?

HumbleEinstein · Jan 15, 2014

From the videos I've seen, it looks like it just takes a few minutes.

HumbleEinstein · Jan 15, 2014

Sucks! I should have raised the cost of this with Spikes. Seems like they should have paid for it since they originally sold me a lemon. Gunsmiths around me tend to be expensive for even minor things.

clandestine · Jan 15, 2014

Depends on how busy the smith is. At Scotts its a drop off as he is way too busy to stop to do jobs like that on demand.

IMO a shooter should own their own gauges for any gun they shoot. IMO not owning headspace gauges Its like owning a car that you can't access the engine to check fluid levels and needing a mechanic to do so.

clandestine · Jan 15, 2014

HumbleEinstein said:
From the videos I've seen, it looks like it just takes a few minutes.

The bolt has to be stripped to check the headspace. For the AR that means removing the ejector.

The job in itself is not really the time consumer, its clearing your bench of a job your working on, possibly loosing parts, then setting your previous work back up. Also answering 20 mins of questions the customer has about his "5 minute" job that often takes a bit longer. A good gunsmith does a once over to check all safeties and function of a gun they check headspace on. Then you get people who want to argue ovwr the price when they are complete strangers.

IMBLITZVT · Jan 15, 2014

Headspace...

Well normally, yes any change in bolt, check headspace. That said, if you read what most people post, most never check headspace on an AR15. Think of all the parts kits sold that get turned into working rifles at home when they add a receiver. Since the bolt is not numbered to the gun, you don't know if the rifle had the bolt changed out or not. How many issues do you hear about? I would guess a very large portion never get checked. A lot say, so long as you have parts made by a reputable manufacture, you should be ok. There is a lot to read on the subject with opinions all over the place on ARs. Checking is a safe bet for sure, but its not free.

If you like the AR platform, it might be worth getting a Go, No-Go gauge yourself. Probably save you money after a few checks.

ThawMyTongue · Jan 15, 2014

clandestine said:
Depends on how busy the smith is. At Scotts its a drop off as he is way too busy to stop to do jobs like that on demand.

IMO a shooter should own their own gauges for any gun they shoot. IMO not owning headspace gauges Its like owning a car that you can't access the engine to check fluid levels and needing a mechanic to do so.

Do you have a specific gauge you recommend? As my Ar harem grows I need to acquire the tools to service it.

fa18hooker · Jan 15, 2014

Buy a go gauge from PT&G:

$37
http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/gauges1.htm

For the bubba no-go, just add a piece of tape to the back...

Elite84 · Jan 15, 2014

Just as an idea, what if we chip in and get a set of community gauge. We can start a thead to track who has it and pass it on as needed.

HumbleEinstein · Jan 15, 2014

Let's also get a community gunsmith.

clandestine · Jan 15, 2014

IMO a field gauge and a go gauge are needed. I don't suggest using tape on go gauges as it compresses easily and unless you depth gauge the taped gauge you don't know the accurate reading with tape.

I have seen a lot of ARs fail headspace tests. Even Tier 1 manufacturers. The ones who say its not needed are speaking from inexperience.

I wouldn't loan my gauges to anyone. They can be messed up with improper use.

I'm not looking for business, I'm passing along advice. If people think I'm going to care if they ignore me and blow their preban ar up and scar their face then the jokes on them.

HumbleEinstein · Jan 15, 2014

I'm not going to second guess a Jedi-master when it comes to the Force.

Clandestine, what's a fair price to get my head space checked?

Thanks for all your help.

SWO Daddy · Jan 15, 2014

Buy a headspace gauge and check it yourself. Both will likely cost the same, but this way you can check it yourself on your own time, any time in the future, and learn more about your rifle.

HumbleEinstein · Jan 15, 2014

SWO Daddy said:
Buy a headspace gauge and check it yourself. Both will likely cost the same, but this way you can check it yourself on your own time, any time in the future, and learn more about your rifle.

That makes sense, but I need to get it done before this weekend. I'm not sure I have time to figure out what I need, get it shipped, and how to do it.

clandestine · Jan 15, 2014

Scotts charges 35 per gun with a safety inspection. IMO your better off buying 2 gauges for about 75 and having unlimited access to them.

You don't need a smith to check the headspace. Just tear down the bolt head, clean the bolt lugs, bolt face, chamber and barrel extension and use the gauge.

Wipe the gauges down good after use as oils from humans tend to cause the gauges to rust.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad to help those willing to listen.

ThawMyTongue · Jan 15, 2014

clandestine said:
IMO a field gauge and a go gauge are needed. I don't suggest using tape on go gauges as it compresses easily and unless you depth gauge the taped gauge you don't know the accurate reading with tape.

I have seen a lot of ARs fail headspace tests. Even Tier 1 manufacturers. The ones who say its not needed are speaking from inexperience.

I wouldn't loan my gauges to anyone. They can be messed up with improper use.

I'm not looking for business, I'm passing along advice. If people think I'm going to care if they ignore me and blow their preban *3 up and scar their face then the jokes on them.

I LOLed... I'm in a weird mood this morning

I'll be getting gauges from PTG, I was planning on ordering bottom metal from them anyway. :thumbsup:

ziondogg · Jan 15, 2014

I'm not trying to hijack but after reading these posts I have a question that is similar to the op's. I just received an upper from psa without bcg or ch but I did purchase their full auto bolt ang got a bcm gunfighter ch. Should I check headspace even if the upper and bcg are both from psa?

Head-Space Check?

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