Headspace gauges

[Panzer Radeo]

So I'm building my first AR from the ground up and while I understand that most manufacturers nowadays are good about proper head spacing, I still want to ensure it's proper. I'm picking up a white oak 20" 1-in-7 sdm barrel tomorrow from engage and have already purchased a failzero exo complete bcg. Im looking at headspace gauges to purchase since this will not be my last build. I understand how they work as well as how to use them. I also know there is no true head space gauge for 223 wylde, so heres my question.

Im looking at three gauges. A Clymer go and no-go set for .223 rem as well as a forster 5.56 maximum headspace gauge. Will i need anything else? From my understanding, clymers are SAAMI spec and the 5.56 max gauge is SAAMI spec as well. Thanks in advance.

 

[clandestine]

Those 3 will cover your needs. Good thinking regarding the gauges. ARs do fail headspace and every person who owns one should at a minimum have a 5.56 field gauge.

 

[smdub]

Go to http://www.mansonreamers.com EXCELLENT tools at a good price. They make a lower cost go/nogo/field set (though I don't have any of those - just their standard ones.)

The Wylde is a 223 & 5.56 capable chamber IIRC? As you stated you might need a 223 go, and a 5.56 no-go. IIRC, the 5.56 no-go is actually longer than a 223 field gauge. I think both GOs are REALLY close to the same size. IIRC, they were so close (tenths) that I only have the 5.56 gauges.

Anyway, you can get everything you need at one stop from Manson.

 

[Panzer Radeo]

I actually picked up a set of Clymer gauges and a 556 max range this morning for $75 out the door. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Vile Shadow]

I actually picked up a set of Clymer gauges and a 556 max range this morning for $75 out the door. Thanks for the help guys.

Where? Online somewhere, or in a store?

 

[rico903]

This thread got me thinking, always dangerous. I have AR's in .223,5.56 and .308 and bolt guns in .223 and .308. I guess I should get some gauges to be safe but I don't know much about them. Will the same gauges work in both AR and bolt guns. Also what is the difference in Go and Go/No Go ?

 

[Vile Shadow]

This thread got me thinking, always dangerous. I have AR's in .223,5.56 and .308 and bolt guns in .223 and .308. I guess I should get some gauges to be safe but I don't know much about them. Will the same gauges work in both AR and bolt guns. Also what is the difference in Go and Go/No Go ?

Well, if I'm not mistaken, the "GO" gauge is the smallest of the set, and they get progressively larger as to simulate headspace wear.

The chamber closing on the "GO" gauge is fine. Closing on the "NO GO" gauge is not.

 

[clandestine]

This thread got me thinking, always dangerous. I have AR's in .223,5.56 and .308 and bolt guns in .223 and .308. I guess I should get some gauges to be safe but I don't know much about them. Will the same gauges work in both AR and bolt guns. Also what is the difference in Go and Go/No Go ?

Think of the 3 gauges as small medium and large.

You want the gun to close on a go, if it does not the the chamber is too short.

If the gun closes on a no-go it can mean it's just not tight or its approaching a fail gauge eventually.

The field gauge is used to determine if the gun is unsafe. If it closes on a field it probably is unsafe to fire, but some people do anyway. You risk a case separation or worse of you fire it when it closes on a field.

Yes the gauges are the same for bolt guns and autos.

You cant just drop in gauges in most guns. You have to remove the extractor and spring loaded ejectors to get a good reading.

Everyone who is a serious shooter should have gauges for their rifles at least.

 

[outrider58]

Where? Online somewhere, or in a store?

Was on Clymer's site the other day and their go-no go set was going for around $30. Not sure about their Field gauge...
Though they say Brownells carries their gauges, I was unable to find them there.

 

[BradMacc82]

Think of the 3 gauges as small medium and large.

You want the gun to close on a go, if it does not the the chamber is too short.

If the gun closes on a no-go it can mean it's just not tight or its approaching a fail gauge eventually.

The field gauge is used to determine if the gun is unsafe. If it closes on a field it probably is unsafe to fire, but some people do anyway. You risk a case separation or worse of you fire it when it closes on a field.

Yes the gauges are the same for bolt guns and autos.

You cant just drop in gauges in most guns. You have to remove the extractor and spring loaded ejectors to get a good reading.

Everyone who is a serious shooter should have gauges for their rifles at least.

Something some people forget to do, and some sources overlook that detail in the instructions.

I never really thought about getting gauges, until I went to re-barrel that Savage. I'm a convert now.

 

[madchestermonkey]

It could be my imagination but I thought I had seen a set gauges with a cut out so the extractor can be left in, or I may just need to take my medicine for the day

 

[clandestine]

It could be my imagination but I thought I had seen a set gauges with a cut out so the extractor can be left in, or I may just need to take my medicine for the day

I didn't say all guns and gauges.

Some gauges are done that way for certain firearms. For instance a military 5.56 field gauge is machined to work with an assembled bolt.

 

[madchestermonkey]

I didn't say all guns and gauges.

Some gauges are done that way for certain firearms. For instance a military 5.56 field gauge is machined to work with an assembled bolt.

Sorry, I wasn't quoting you directly, but thanks for the clarity on that point. I didn't realize that was a distinction on the field gauge.

 

[clandestine]

Sorry, I wasn't quoting you directly, but thanks for the clarity on that point. I didn't realize that was a distinction on the field gauge.

Its only for a 5.56 military gauge, not all field gauges. I'm saying there are differences in them depending on the caliber and gun. Its very hard to find a military ,5.56 field gauge, so most people buy the commercial one and disassemble the bolt.

Some mosin gauges are cut to clear the extract or, not all are.