del-ton says!!!!!

**Iraqgunz** · 10-10-10, 22:14

The correct method (which has been covered at least a dozen times on this site alone, read my weapons inspection thread that is stickied) is to replace the bolt and then utilizing a FIELD headspace gage insert it into a clean chamber and using light finger pressure push the BCG inside. The bolt should not lock up. If it does then you need to rebarrel the weapon (as you already are replacing the bolt).

I would go a step further and probably check it with another bolt just for S&G.

Originally Posted by Captain_America

Yeah, that's what I was wondering. What happens if you need to change out your BCG?

**Iraqgunz** · 10-10-10, 22:24

Here are some threads that some of you should read. Alot of info is posted there.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=58344

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=58346

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=58347

**Icculus** · 10-11-10, 09:20

Great writeups IG. Someone should really take those fantastic links and sticky them at the top of the technical forum

**Captain_America** · 10-11-10, 09:40

Thanks for the info

**Ga Shooter** · 10-11-10, 10:04

Maybe Rob_S could put Delton on The Chart so everyone can see how bad they are. Just for the record I have owned 2 and now own 0 for a reason. Consult The Chart and buy good stuff first. Nice info Iraq.

**SouthPark** · 10-11-10, 13:09

Originally Posted by Whootsinator

Drop a GO in the chamber and the bolt should close. Drop a NO GO and the bolt should not close. If it does not close on a GO or closes on a NO GO, you've got head spacing issues. I would recommend taking it to a trusted smith to diagnose and remedy the cause.

Amen.

**Jellybean** · 10-11-10, 16:53

This is something I've been wondering for a while myself. So +1 for helpful info.

Although, I know a lot of folks like to keep a spare bolt/firing pin in their vfg or pistol grip. Since it seems you really need to use a headspacing gage beore replacing anything, what would be the point of this?

**bkb0000** · 10-11-10, 16:59

Originally Posted by Jellybean

This is something I've been wondering for a while myself. So +1 for helpful info.

Although, I know a lot of folks like to keep a spare bolt/firing pin in their vfg or pistol grip. Since it seems you really need to use a headspacing gage beore replacing anything, what would be the point of this?

you don't "really need to." i've swapped broken bolts in the field, and so have hundreds of thousands of others.

changing from a worn bolt to a new bolt, so long as it's a good bolt from a consistent manufacturer, doesn't require headspace check. it's good to, if it's convenient, just to make sure your chamber isn't all burned out and about to kB- but the act of putting in a new, quality, bolt, just doesn't increase your risk.

**SouthPark** · 10-11-10, 18:55

Originally Posted by bkb0000

you don't "really need to." i've swapped broken bolts in the field, and so have hundreds of thousands of others.

changing from a worn bolt to a new bolt, so long as it's a good bolt from a consistent manufacturer, doesn't require headspace check. it's good to, if it's convenient, just to make sure your chamber isn't all burned out and about to kB- but the act of putting in a new, quality, bolt, just doesn't increase your risk.

I agree that lots of bolts are replaced without gauging and without misfortune. However, there are some provisos to keep in mind. A military bolt in a military gun has been tested and made to certain specifications, as is the barrel, and some high quality civilian models are held to stringent standards. But a civilian gun may or may not have a correctly reamed chamber but works with the bolt the mfgr supplied. I had a very expensive barrel that was not quite right on the headspace and whether it had high pressure or passed the gauge test depended on the bolt. Only one of several did in fact work with the gauges. Like a lot of things, you can play the odds and most of the time be OK, or you can gauge and be 100 percent sure. Cheers!