M1 Garand Barreled Receiver

B

Bart212

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
88   0   0
Location
Ottawa
Hi

I just bought an M1 Garand Barreled Receiver today, but, it came without the bolt. When I buy a new bolt do I need to check the headspace or is the headspace determined when the barrel is installed.

P.S. Check out my needed M1 Garand parts in the Parts and bits EE forum.

Thanks
 
You absolutely must check headspace when fitting a bolt to a barreled action as there is considerable variation among bolts,especially used ones.In order to headspace correctly and safely the bolt must close on a "go" headspace gauge and must not close on a "no-go"gauge.
 
"...when the barrel is installed..." Yep. The headspace is adjusted when the barrel is installed. With a barrelled action, your smithy should remove the barrel and fit the bolt and barrel for headspace. Otherwise, you'll need a bunch of bolts to try with proper headspace guages. Emtpy cases and bits of shims or feeler guages don't work.
 
When you get a bolt, strip it, and use gauges to check the headspace. Ideally, the bolt won't close on NO GO, but if it does, check with a FIELD gauge. A NO GO is used when fitting a barrel; if the assembly accepts a FIELD gauge, headspace is too loose. As long as a FIELD gauge is rejected the rifle should be OK. Really tight, minimum headspace can cause problems in an autoloader. Check it again after the rifle has been fired.
If the rifle swallows a FIELD gauge, there is no easy fix, other than selectively trying different bolts. The barrel can't be set back one thread, and the chamber recut.
If the rifle won't accept a GO gauge, adjustments can be made, until it does.
 
As long as it's an original arsenal assembled piece, I'd bet money that any bolt you drop in will headspace OK. Check with Tradex and Districorp for parts.
 
Hitzy said:
As long as it's an original arsenal assembled piece, I'd bet money that any bolt you drop in will headspace OK. Check with Tradex and Districorp for parts.
Click to expand...
Did a few several years ago With used bolts from Gun Parts and all headspaced. I believe that M1, M1 Carbines, and M14 are gauged to index because of the gas ports etc.
 
OK I finally got the gun finished.
Before I fired it I measured the length of the brass and when I measured them after firing, they stretched .008". Is this head space good?? I know this method is quite mid-evil. but would it be ok. thanks
 
Measuring the length the case stretched has told you absolutely nothing about headspace. You need to have it checked with guages. As for the comments about it being fine....I own an IHC that someone tried to make "correct" before I bought it by swapping in an IHC bolt. The result? It eats my field gauge for lunch.
 
Bart212 said:
OK I finally got the gun finished.
Before I fired it I measured the length of the brass and when I measured them after firing, they stretched .008". Is this head space good?? I know this method is quite mid-evil. but would it be ok. thanks
Click to expand...

That seems to be a lot of stretch in one firing.....you or a reputable gunsmith NEEDS to check that rifle with proper gauges.
 
I bought a Breda marked bolt from CGN member aacollectible a few years ago. He is listing Garand parts on his website these days - includng .308 barrels.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom