AR Head Spacing

jonathonh

jonathonh

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Just thought I'd get some input as to head spacing, is it necessary on a new build, if so is there any other methods other than purchasing gauges? Again this is for my first build, just want to make sure I've done EVERYTHING correctly before taking her out for the first time once my sights arrive. This is one step that i can't seem to find much info on, on this site, or hasn't been covered in depth. I've done everything by the book so far, so no point in missing any crucial steps along the way :D

Thanks for the help in advance!
 
Yes you have to buy the gauges. Go and no go.guys here will tell you that you don't have to but it's not there gun that might blow up and not them that might get hurt.just buy a set of go and no go from brownells.you can always sell them after on the ee
 
A newly built AR-15 shouldn't (emphasis on shouldn't) have headspacing issues but it is always good to check it out before hand and making sure that your rifle is safe. Ask around shops in your area if armourers already have some Go and No Go gauges on hand for AR-15s and if you can check your rifle with them.
 
If your barrel and bolt are milspec, it shouldn't be an issue, although checking won't hurt. Face it, building an AR is basically just an assembly job (everything is interchangeable even in the field). If you are getting into match barrels that is a differant story and you usually supply the bolt and the barrel is chambered to the bolt.
 
As stated by others, if the manufacturers have all done their job, headspace checks should pass just fine. I prefer to play it safe and check. The chances of a bad, brand new barrel slipping through from a reputable manufacturer (your components are all high quality from what you say) are pretty low, but better safe than sorry.
 
dogzilla said:
If your barrel and bolt are milspec, it shouldn't be an issue, although checking won't hurt. Face it, building an AR is basically just an assembly job (everything is interchangeable even in the field). If you are getting into match barrels that is a differant story and you usually supply the bolt and the barrel is chambered to the bolt.
Click to expand...

But Red Jacket says it's nevah bean dun beefour.........
 
If an AR is being assembled from assorted parts, there is no harm in checking headspace. Usually there is no problem. If there were to be excess headspace, adjusting it can be a bit complicated, and may not be possible, from a practical standpoint. If there is insufficient headspace, and if the bore is not chromed, a reamer could be used.
 
There is probably someone near you that has GO/NO GO gauges. I'd check it for you, but I'm in Ontario.

It's a good idea to check, particularly if you are building an AR and using mixed manufacturers.
 
JTF# said:
inside joke if you ever watched the show.do you need info on how to head space or are you okay with that part?
Click to expand...

Haha got it now.

Once I get the gauges I should be good to go. It'll be my first time doing it but I have watched the Brownells video several times and a couple others on YouTube.
 
Usually headspace or bolt fit in the barrel extension isn't an issue. AR dimensions are pretty well established, and standardized through the industry. It is not 100%, though, so there is no harm in checking.
 
If you want to check, buy a field and go. In an ar you should remove ejector before doing this. It's hard to get the "feel" how hard to turn bolt into barrel extention with in installed

I generally just try a field gauge. Technically not as excessive headspace as a no go, but I wouldn't continue a new build with a bolt / extention that closes on a field. Just because it does not , doesn't necessarily mean its still not excessive, hence the reason for a field gauge

No point on trying a no go if it won't close on a field gauge ( which is generally the case ) , which is why I never use my no go

BTW - I have yet to encounter a excessive headspace chamber in an AR barrel from a reputable mfg.
 
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