Lee endfield headspace???

[steven123654]

Hey I just checked the headspace on my two Lee Enfields with a 303 British NO GO gauge.
On my first rifle it doesn't close (GREAT!).
But on my second it closes with a slight resistance.
My question is could the second rifle be safe to fire?
And if not the way to repair this would be to shim where the bolt handle closes on the receiver?

Much thanks, Steven.

 

[guntech]

It's safe...military accept closure on a no go gauge... they have one more gauge they use - a field gauge... if it closes on that it is taken for repair and a longer bolt head installed.

 

[Siggy Stardust]

Where did you get the gauge? I have a couple .303s I'd like to check as well.

 

[tiriaq]

Hey I just checked the headspace on my two Lee Enfields with a 303 British NO GO gauge.
On my first rifle it doesn't close (GREAT!).
But on my second it closes with a slight resistance.
My question is could the second rifle be safe to fire?
And if not the way to repair this would be to shim where the bolt handle closes on the receiver?

Much thanks, Steven.

If you can feel the gauge, its OK.

Are you using a .068 SAAMI gauge or a .074 military ONE?

 

[steven123654]

Where did you get the gauge? I have a couple .303s I'd like to check as well.

I got it from brownells but if you do as well make sure to chose the right shipping option ( payed 35$ for the gauge and 40$ shipping!)

 

[steven123654]

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[the11]

cgn'r GAIRLOCHIAN makes them. They are a good price, and great quality. I bought a no-go and a field gauge from him. Couldn't be happier with them.

 

[sunray]

The CF absolutely did not accept closing on a No-Go. No shims either. You have to change the bolt head.
In any case, I suspect your second rifle is ok. Marginally so, but ok.

 

[steven123654]

If you can feel the gauge, its OK.

Are you using a .068 SAAMI gauge or a .074 military ONE?

I measured it and it's a .074

 

[steven123654]

Thanks!

 

[tiriaq]

If you can just feel a .074, the rifle is passing, but it is on the edge. Are you handloading for it? If so, be very careful when sizing. It would be easy to get into a case separation situation.

 

[bobbynewmark]

Where did you get the gauge? I have a couple .303s I'd like to check as well.

got all 3 guages on ebay. They are really easy to make because of the rimmed cartridge... only $45 for the set IIRC

 

[naultrick1]

cgn'r GAIRLOCHIAN makes them. They are a good price, and great quality. I bought a no-go and a field gauge from him. Couldn't be happier with them.

Sorry to butt in but how do I get in touch with Gairlochian, I figure I'll need a go-no go set for 7.62 Nato and would like to check out his prices, maybe save some on shipping and keep $ in Canada.