I have a few projects coming up that will require me to remove and install barrels so I have been looking up information on head space gauges. I think I understand most of it, but I still had a few questions. Please correct me if anything I say below is not correct:
Are No-Go Gauges the same as field gauges?
Are No-Go Gauges the most important?
It seems like most people who post say that excessive head space is the most dangerous. What is the point of the go gauge? Should I get them both?
What is the proper way to read the Gauges?
From what I have read a no-go gauge should prevent the bolt from locking up, but a go gauge should allow it to lock up.
Do I need a 5.56-marked gauge?
Several people on different threads have recomended this gauge:
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...-prod6646.aspx
It says 5.56 in the description, but it says .223 on the side. Should I be worried about it not being marked 5.56? This does not say it is a "go" gauge so I assume it is a field gauge.
Do I need to check headspace if I take apart a factory rifle?
One of my "projects" is going to be taking the barrel nut off my current gun to install a FF rail. The same barrel and bolt will go back together. Should I worry about headspace in this case?
Are there any headspace gauges that do not require removal of the extractor?
It seems like most people say this is required, but I was thinking maybe there was one somewhere that would not require me to remove this.