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Head space gauge

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AbitNutz View Drop Down
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    Posted: October 23 2017 at 12:31pm
Are there any go-no-go gauges that are not SAAMI spec? I would really appreciate a set of gauges that are military dimensions. I have an expensive set of Forster gauges that are pretty much useless. I'm thinking of trying a field gauge but I suspect that may not work out either. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 4:03am
http://www.okiegauges.com/


I have a full set of these for 303. They work well and not too expensive.
Worthwhile if you have more than one rifle or considering buying more!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AbitNutz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 5:18am
I have seen those but they seem totally alien to what I'm used to. How are they to use? Can you give me a rundown of your technique? 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 5:32am
I have the same set. They work fine on rimmed cases because only the rim matters for headspace.
My technique is:
Wip oil from gauge.
Remove magazine.
Open Bolt.
Point muzzle vertical.
Place gauge on bolt face. Make sure cut fits extractor.
Slowly close bolt with just one finger.
STOP the moment you feel resistance.
Open bolt.
Remove gauge.
Re oil.
Close bolt.
Ease springs.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AbitNutz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 5:52am
So the difference in resistance between the go and no go gauges is it difficult to feel?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bear43 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 7:26am
Get the Okie gauges, you will love them. They are so easy to use and are mil-spec. I highly recommend them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 9:19am
There are 3 gauges in the set, one of which I doubt you'll ever use unless you're re-barreling.

"Headspace gauges generally come in 3 sizes:

http://www.okiegauges.com/images/set.jpg

GO <----> NO-GO < ----> FIELD

(One dimple) <> (Two dimples) <> (Three dimples)

   GO = 0.064"<------> NO-GO = 0.067" <> FIELD = 0.074".

GO: measures the minimum acceptable headspace. This size is most often used when re-barreling or re-chambering a firearm. The action should close on this gauge. It should NOT fully close on the other 2.

NO-GO: This gauge is used to check for excessive headspace. If a firearm closes on the NO-GO gauge it is an indication that the weapon MAY not be safe to fire. Reloading ammunition for a firearm that fails NO-GO can result in unsafe loads due in part to the expended brass being elongated as a result of not being firmly chambered. Most military surplus firearms that pass NO-GO (the bolt will not fully close on the gauge) are considered safe to fire with surplus ammunition, or with modem loads not intended for reloading.

FIELD: A firearm failing the NO-GO spec can be tested on the slightly more forgiving FIELD gauge. Military chamber specifications are generally looser than commercial firearms, giving them a bit of tolerance for adverse conditions such as dirty chambers, weather extremes, etc. A firearm passing FIELD spec (not closing fully on the gauge) is generally considered safe to fire the ammunition it was designed to fire, i.e. military surplus ammunition of the designated caliber."

You're not feeling for resistance, just contact. Its reduced because of the camming action as the bolt is closed so just that very first touch is what you want.


In reality you can probably get by with just the "0.074" "FIELD" gauge for most things as that was the only standard the British ever used.

In practice I bought the set of 3 & I use the "NO GO" first. If the action fails the "NO GO" by closing fully & double check with the "FIELD"
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AbitNutz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 10:23am
They're far and away cheaper than the traditional SAAMI gauges I'm familiar with so, like you, I ordered the set. We'll see if I'm smart enough to make them work.

I really appreciate the help.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Canuck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 6:14pm
Great tools. I have two sets. One stays on my work bench the other comes with me to gun shows. Keep them well oiled, however, otherwise you might experience minute rust that could possibly throw off your measurement. This company who supplies these also supplies a striker depth of engagement (firing pin) gauge. This is a MUST tool in any LE owner's tool box IMHO. I know a person could use a depth gauge measurement using a caliper but....these gauges are just so neat. One thing I have found while using these gauges is that the gauge itself can slip loose after checking the head space upon disengagement and retraction of the bolt, so I use a magnetic tipped rod to extract the gauge. This helps with those 'oops' moments looking on the shop floor for the fallen gauge.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AbitNutz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 24 2017 at 9:04pm
I have an Enfield NO4 mk1 that is in really pretty good shape. Out of curiosity, I decided to check the headspace.  The bolt will close even on my Forster SAAMI field gauge. Normally I would come unglued at this but I suspect it may be fine. I have come to the conclusion that these gauges when applied to Enfield rifles, are just about useless. 

I've yet to fire this rifle but intend to do so and see what the brass looks like afterward.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2017 at 5:46am
Failing SAAMI but passing MOD WOPS is pretty normal.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bear43 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2017 at 6:06am
The Forster field gauge measures .070" as opposed to the military spec of .074". That's quite a difference so failing the SAAMI and passing the other is very common.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Link Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 24 2018 at 2:58am
I had ordered an Okie field gauge.  I received a refund notifying me Todd had passed away and my order could not be filled.  Does any body have a spare Okie field gauge they would sell?  

Also, can someone tell me the OD of the Okie gauge?  I have some .074 SS washers but turning them down will be horrible without proper tools.  But I have time to try.

Thanks 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Canuck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 25 2018 at 8:45am
That's sad Todd passed away. I did not know of this until now.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 25 2018 at 10:41am
That's sad he'd done great work for ever.
I have a set, but they're not for sale.
The OD measures:
0.53515" for the 1-dot GO = 0.064"
0.5350" for the 2-dot NO-GO = 0.067"
0.5350" for the 23-dot FIELD = 0.074"
Measured across the sides so the cut for the extractor doesn't factor in.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Link Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 25 2018 at 11:42am
Thanks Shamu.  That's what I was wanting to know.  BTW, I emailed Forster about making .074" field gauges and the techs are all at the Gun Show.  Lady that wrote back said she would mention it to them.  Also I email the Firewerks guys who also make the washer type gauges for Mosins.  I haven't heard back.

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