Well good for you I am happy. Unfortunately a true 5.56 Field gage (not something from Forster or whoever) is difficult to find and so you pay the price. I don't quibble over little crap like that as long as the job is done correctly.
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I was talking to a fairly knowledgeable AR guy this weekend who told me that Colt is now using a "Field 2" guage. He said that a stripped bolt that will close on a Field guage may still be within acceptable firing parameters. The field 2 gauge is now the end of the line for a barrel/bolt.
So do we have a thread on this forum (or any other), which describes, in detail, the difference between using GO/NOGO Gauges, and this "Field Gauge"????
How about this Colt "Field 2" gauge? What is the difference?
Like the poster of this thread, I too would like to buy a QUALITY Headspace gauge (of some sort), which will simply allow me to do one thing: Determine if a bolt is ok to use in a specific upper without problems.
I suppose I would also like the ability to headspace 7.62x39 bolts in AK's.
What do I need? Or better yet, do we have a thread covering all things Headspace related?
One more thing. Does Ned Christiansen offer HS gauges? I thought he did, but I may be wrong. ???
EDIT:
I checked out BillRicca.com's website, and he doesn't appear to have anything AR15/M4/.223/5.56 related, so I dropped him an email to see if I can get a response.
Thanks for the link though Iraqgunz.... Did you ever use that VLTOR wrench I sent?
Paul,
As per the military Tech Manual they only use a Field Gage. It is my understanding that a Field Gage is essentially the final point before a weapon fails or NO GO's. I don't use a GO/ NO GO so I cannot answer your question. The TM also explains the steps to take if your weapon fails as well.
You can find the gage on BillRicca.com if you scroll to the left side and click on the collectibles page. It is about halfway down.
I believe that the gages that Ned makes are designed to determine if you have a 5.56 chamber vise a .223 chamber. If you buy the gage from Bushmaster or Bill Ricca you will be able to determine if your weapon is within headspace specs.
Iraq,
I had the same problem Paul did finding the gage on Ricca's website. Thanks for the clarification.
Now that I have ordered one ... since I strongly suspect that some of my ARs are .223, would I be correct in assuming that the same procedure (of course using a .223 field gage) should be used in checking headspace on those rifles?
Is there any particular brand of .223 field gage that you recommend (or disrecommend)?
Thanx.
Thanks IraqGunz. BillRicca emailed me back and showed them to me.
However, I do not know how many he had for sale?
Did you get the last one exkc135???? I see you are in ATL, GA. Where you located exactly? Just curious. I always have to ask guys when I see they are in GA.... I'm 20 min south of ATL in Fayetteville.
On a similar note, in regards to BCG's, and their use,
Does anyone here have an opinion on how to align your cam pin when removing/installing it before/after cleaning? I mean, is it a good idea to maybe flip it 180 degrees from time to time, so as to promote even wear on both sides?
IOW's, is it a bad idea to constantly re-install it in the same manner every time, where the wear on the pin is constantly on the same side??
Just wondering if anyone has ever thought about this before? Any opinions?
I don't know. I called him 30 minutes ago and told him I wanted to order one of the gages. He asked if I was the guy that had emailed him, and I said that I was not. He said that he would not be able to ship the gage until next week, which is no problem for me. Other than clarifying CC info he said nothing else.
I've been meaning to go to Autrey's Armory to test some things (closer than SRGC). I assume you've had experience with them? Good guys? Jerks?
PM sent.
driver,
Cool, glad you found them. Since I usually don't deal with true .223 rifles I will take a stab in the dark and say that a .223 field gage used in the same manner should provide the results you are looking for. Forster ones should be good to go.
BTW- I posted elsewhere that Fulton Armory has Bore Erosion Gages on their website for 29.95. I snagged a few.
In reference to the LMT bolt markings...I have two LMT bolts from highly respected dealers here on the forum that do not have the MP stamp mark.One is lot Z and the other is AB.
I contacted LMT and they said all the bolts they manufacture are HPT and MPI.The BCG's are also extensively test fired to assure function before being sold.
Looking at the pictures I'd say the Bolt is a LMT especially considering the lot #letter code.
The metal being split at the stake on the carrier key...seems to be normal IMHO.I contacted LMT and they said its fine...no worries.I had one carrier that the stake on the carrier key was very sharp...which cut me more than once.So I just dressed it down a bit with a file to remove the pointed/sharp edge.By the way,the carrier keys are very hard so it takes a good file to even make a dent.Otherwise it will dull your file.
As far as headspace gauge...I purchased the Brownells Colt field gauge recommended by gotm4 and it does the job...cheap too.
Blankwaffe,
Thanks for the clarification on the bolts. It is appreciated.
I would also like to thank everyone else for replying to my questions.