Proper use of headspace gauge
I bought a field gauge to check some old Mausers, but am not exactly sure the proper technique for using it. I know I need to disassemble the bolt to use it. My question is, are you supposed to turn the bolt handle all the way to the closed position, or are you simply supposed to push it forward to the point forward movement stops? By closing, I assume the directions mean that I should turn the bolt handle to a fully closed position, but the directions aren't clear, and I don't want to damage my highly prized $50 Mauser.
A related question---is there an easy way to remove the claw extractor without damaging the bolt or extractor. I know Brownell's sells a tool for this, but I haven't gotten one yet. In the meantime, I thought there might be another way to do it.
Any help is appreciated.
A related question---is there an easy way to remove the claw extractor without damaging the bolt or extractor. I know Brownell's sells a tool for this, but I haven't gotten one yet. In the meantime, I thought there might be another way to do it.
Any help is appreciated.
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If the bolt closes on a FIELD gauge the rifle is just pricy scrap metal.
If the bolt closes on a NO-GO gauge the rifle has to much headspace, and should not be fired until it has been repaired.
If the bolt closes on a GO gauge The rifle has enough headspace.
GO is minimum, NO-GO is Maximum, FIELD is only used by the military during times of heavy fighting and short supply
To remove the extractor, you need to lift the leg out of the groove at the front of the bolt, and slide (or lightly tap) the extractor forward off the bolt. No tools needed. Press in on the extractor bow to lift th lg clear of the groove, and spin it CCW on the bolt so that the leg is resting on the un-grooved portion. now push it off the front of the bolt.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Yes, to check head-space properly, the bolt should be dis-assembled, no firing pin, no extractor, that way you can feel the bolt turn into the lugs, also be sure chamber is clean and free of foriegn matter and try to clear the lug seats of grease and accumulated dirt and debris, bolt should close freely on "Go" gage. With "No-Go" gage, bolt should start to turn or partially turn into place but stop positively before closing completely. "Field" gage should be used if "No-Go" closes, "Field" gage was developed for military arms, to determine if head-space is beyond safe limits,so a weapon is not deemed unserviceable until the head-space allows the "Field" gage to close in the action. 0 -
The importance of headspace as a safety factor is highly overrated. Indeed, excess headspace actually results in an effective "freebore"
condition which results in LOWER pressures! The only real problems of excess headspace are:
a. reduced accuracy because of bullet jump
b. reduced power (range) because of lower pressure
c. possibility of case separation, making the rifle temporarily useless (until case can be removed.
From a practical standpoint for the ameteur rifleman; If headspace is a little excessive, neck size only when you reload. If it is quite excessive, be sure your field kit includes a broken case extractor.
Have fun, be careful!!
Morty0 -
Be sure and have glasses too, when that case seperates,hot gases and semi-molten brass particles can be irritating to all but the most rugged of individuals' eyes, and oh, a first aid kit too, to swab all those tiny little puncture wounds around the glasses,also on your hands if you are not wearing gloves,those pesky old high intensity cartridges loaded God only knows when, by God only knows who, with God only knows what can't possibly hurt you too bad,
I am telling you in my own silly way that if you fire a rifle with excessive head space, you are gambling with something that can hurt or kill you, the poster before me sloughed off the danger, that can be disastrous! Don't atke what I say as gospel, I am not a ballistic or medical expert, just someone who has seen cases let go and the results, ask Mark Christian or Der Gebirgsjagr for the real experts opinion.0 -
I am no Mauser expert, I just collect them and shoot them. Everybody that I have asked about it, while with other Mauser people, all say the same thing. Unless it's absoutely necessary, do not remove the extractor from your bolt.
It's your rifle, but I seek advice from experts and take it when it's given.
Charlie
"It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com0
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