Beacon Brass
New member
I just put together an AR from parts, separate bolt, old upper, someones else's barrel. Do I need to take it to a gunsmith and have it headspaced?
Thanks
BB
Thanks
BB
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AR Question
- Thread starter Beacon Brass
- Start date
Beacon Brass
New member
No gauge
No, I did not. So I guess I'm off to the gunsmith. This shouldn't cost too much.
No, I did not. So I guess I'm off to the gunsmith. This shouldn't cost too much.
Beacon Brass
New member
Thank you
Thank you for the speedy reply!
BB
Thank you for the speedy reply!
BB
If the barrel extension was not removed and the "old barrel" hadn't been abused, you might be fine. It's fairly common to swap bolts w/o checking headspace as long as you know both parts are close to being "in spec". I'm not saying this is 100% correct, but it's done that way.
I've never had a problem switching parts on uppers known to be in good condtion. Recently, I assembled a new upper using the barrel, gas system, and handguards from a newish looking Colt. I used a new, name brand mil spec bolt and carrier and checked the headspace by chambering 10 random resized cases. All chambered snugly and the upper functions and shoots great. No evidence of excessive headspace.
Your gun, your face, your choice.
I've never had a problem switching parts on uppers known to be in good condtion. Recently, I assembled a new upper using the barrel, gas system, and handguards from a newish looking Colt. I used a new, name brand mil spec bolt and carrier and checked the headspace by chambering 10 random resized cases. All chambered snugly and the upper functions and shoots great. No evidence of excessive headspace.
Your gun, your face, your choice.
A set of headspace gages costs about what a gasblock costs,or not much ammo.You can get a go/no go for $50 or so.
Between yourself,friends,family,how many AR.s do you think you will assemble?
Headspace is the one critical dimension a gunsmith makes sure of.
I bought a top line match bbl for an AR fitted to a bolt.leaving out the long story,my bbl maker sent a bbl with no bolt.The bolt I had spun easy with the no-go gage.
It gets complicated loading ammo for multiple rifles.Stretched brass doesn't last long.
If you are going to build rifles,some things you just do right.Checking headspace is one of them.
Between yourself,friends,family,how many AR.s do you think you will assemble?
Headspace is the one critical dimension a gunsmith makes sure of.
I bought a top line match bbl for an AR fitted to a bolt.leaving out the long story,my bbl maker sent a bbl with no bolt.The bolt I had spun easy with the no-go gage.
It gets complicated loading ammo for multiple rifles.Stretched brass doesn't last long.
If you are going to build rifles,some things you just do right.Checking headspace is one of them.