M44 headspace

[sig shooter]

i just bought a M44 and i read i should have the headspace checked but i also read that if the rifle and bolt are matching that it most likely wont have headspace issues. should i still get it checked or should i just wing it because the gun and reciver are matching?

thanks

 

[OnTheRoad]

It's a 64-year old rifle with zero maintenance records. Check the headspace.

 

[sig shooter]

It's a 64-year old rifle with zero maintenance records. Check the headspace.

i agree

 

[SKS Ray]

Its probably a good idea to check it, but I never have on any of mine.

 

[BillK]

Its probably a good idea to check it, but I never have on any of mine.

Same here

 

[sig shooter]

wheres there a place around my area where i can get it checked?

 

[SKS Ray]

wheres there a place around my area where i can get it checked?

The folks at M&Ms might have a set of gauges.

 

[m44]

Its probably a good idea to check it, but I never have on any of mine.

Me to I never checked headspace on any of my milsurp guns, Except the gew88.

 

[sig shooter]

The folks at M&Ms might have a set of gauges.

i called and they dont check headspaces

 

[jdubois]

wheres there a place around my area where i can get it checked?

It'd be cheaper to just buy a "field" gauge here: http://www.lockstock.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FRBG762RF That's all you really need. Put it in the chamber (after removing the firing pin!), and if the bolt fully closes on the gauge, don't fire the gun. If the bolt doesn't fully close on it, you're good to go.

 

[vellnueve]

Its probably a good idea to check it, but I never have on any of mine.

+1, although if it's determined that the Type 53's barrel isn't too badly corroded on the outside, I'll definitely gauge it before shooting it.

 

[Garys]

I've had two Milsurps that failed headspacing. One was a rearsenaled 91/59 that I bought from a very reputable dealer. Not his fault as he doesn't guarantee them and I was able to fix it with a new bolt head. The other was a well worn Savage Enfield and it too was fixed with a new bolt head one size up.

I'd recommend checking the head space before firing any Milsurp, just in case.

 

[SKS Ray]

i called and they dont check headspaces

Next place I would try is Stricklands in Berkley
(Stricklands Gunsmith & Shop 27 Myricks St Berkley MA 02779)

If you do decide to get a field gauge, read surplusrifle.com's section on checking headspace. http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/headspace/index.asp