Just curious, once bolt is locked in place (in closed position), it isn't nice and tight. It still moves back and forth about 1.5mm. Is this normal? I never shot it yet but I cycled it many times and I notice some wear on both locking lugs so at least it looks like both are engaging. But is the movement normal?
M14 bolt question
- Thread starter abalas
- Start date
Yes, because Jean Cantius Garand (the genius) designed in that 'bolt slop' to accomodate bolt swapping under field (read: dirty, muddy, corroded, coated, sandy, dusty ammunition) conditions.
So do this
fire some rounds out of your M14, and then send me a couple of fired cases for headspace measurement. Most if not ALL the Norc M14's have been averaging around 10 thousandths of an inch (0.010") ABOVE the SAAMI spec of 1.630". So don't you worry about yer #### falling off should many of your non-M14 friends warn you so.... 
"Your #### will fall off if you shoot with such a large headspace!" Sorry, I could not resist!
So do this
fire some rounds out of your M14, and then send me a couple of fired cases for headspace measurement. Most if not ALL the Norc M14's have been averaging around 10 thousandths of an inch (0.010") ABOVE the SAAMI spec of 1.630". So don't you worry about yer #### falling off should many of your non-M14 friends warn you so.... "Your #### will fall off if you shoot with such a large headspace!"
Sorry, I could not resist! Hungry, thank you for your most enlightening response. So, in your opinion of an expert urologist, my #### is not going to fall off if I shoot commercial 308 (I have some boxes of Win Super X 150 grain) first before making sure headspace is OK to shoot commercial ammo? To be honest, I am not so worried about case separation but about my ##### separation if headspace is too large for 308. Just making sure. This is really my ultimate dilemma: shooting my new M14 before making the measurements for the purpose of making the measurements...if my #### falls off, it might not be possible to get it surgically reattached and that is why I am so worried.
Hungry here: yah, go ahead and shoot that new M14. Now before anybody flames me (it has been known to happen), if I was really reluctant, I would still take that newly degreased M14 to the range, wearing safety glasses and holding the M14 above your head & eyes, FIRE the rifle with Winchester ammo into the dirtbackstop. This will convince you that you are safe to go. Yeah, I know it sure sounds goofy and some underworked lawyers are gonna jump on me, but frankly, we are hyper paranoid. So keeping it safe, go out and get some fired brass so that I can ensure your headspace is normal for the M14 Norinco-Plinko.
Hungry here: yah, go ahead and shoot that new M14. Now before anybody flames me (it has been known to happen), if I was really reluctant, I would still take that newly degreased M14 to the range, wearing safety glasses and holding the M14 above your head & eyes, FIRE the rifle with Winchester ammo into the dirtbackstop. This will convince you that you are safe to go. Yeah, I know it sure sounds goofy and some underworked lawyers are gonna jump on me, but frankly, we are hyper paranoid. So keeping it safe, go out and get some fired brass so that I can ensure your headspace is normal for the M14 Norinco-Plinko.
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Measuring head space from fired casings
Hungry,
Could you please explain how to measure head space from fired casings. Do you need anything other than venier measurement caliplers? I missed out having mine checked at the SG clinic (too many activities to complete).
Pictures or drawings would help.
Thanks
Hungry here: It's quite difficult to do, so just mail me a couple of fired cases in a cheap padded envelope (2 stamps will get them here), I'll mic them for you like we did at the clinic and then I'm email you back yer dimensions FWIW. Send me a PM.
Hungry,
Could you please explain how to measure head space from fired casings. Do you need anything other than venier measurement caliplers? I missed out having mine checked at the SG clinic (too many activities to complete).
Pictures or drawings would help.
Thanks
Hungry here: It's quite difficult to do, so just mail me a couple of fired cases in a cheap padded envelope (2 stamps will get them here), I'll mic them for you like we did at the clinic and then I'm email you back yer dimensions FWIW. Send me a PM.
Last edited by a moderator:
trucker Rob
New member
- Location
- Kingston, Ont
What is this!!! my #### is going to fall off if I shoot my M14..... "M14s FOR SALE...M14s FOR SALE"...
I'm going to have to start at the top of the thread to see whats going on here...lol
I'm going to have to start at the top of the thread to see whats going on here...lol
