Head space after changing a barrel
This is my first post on any forum ever so sorry if I ask a stupid question. I have an M16A1 (yes I have a class 3 permit to own it)I carried its brother in Vietnam, so I wanted one. It has the pencil barrel 1/12 and I have shot 10's of thousands of rounds through it. Including (stupidly, but it was fun) a 125 round snail magazine on full auto until it was empty. Now however even the 55 grain military bullits key hole at 50 yards and I have a 25 inch group. (actually great if you are a really bad shot). I have purchased a new barrel and have the choice of going to a gunsmith or replacing it myself. It turns out buying all the tools and equipment to do it is cheaper than going to a gunsmith except for the go/no go gauges.
I would like to do it myself, its who I am.
The article I read says I dont need the go/no gauges because any good barrel is already set for the correct head space. I've looked at the barrel, nut etc and there is no adjustment.
So. can I just screw on a new pencil barrel and be happy or am I being a moron trying to save $100.