Headspace gauges???

[ob'98]

I am still sorting through "junk" I acquired and would like to ID these two items. They look like headspace gauges? They look identical. Are there usually two separate gauges, one for "go" and another for "no go"? I am dumb on these, help me out. The center piece moves in slightly. Thanks.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I think you'll find that those are sub caliber devices for 303 British or 30-40 Krag. The back should pop out and there's a firing pin built into the rear cap. They made them for all sorts of calibers and rifles.

[jjroth]

Are these bored-thru for a sub-caliber? or solid?

Looks likw some use on them.
Interesting.

[ob'98]

They are bored through. If you depress the ball you can work out the center piece insert which is about 1/2" long. On the end of that piece that is inside is a rimfire firing pin. So that insert piece will transfer a center fire firing pin impact to the rim of a rimfire cartridge. However, to load the thing you have to depress the ball and work the insert out, put a .22 in, and then put the insert back in place. It seems to be a lot of work for one shot??

[browningautorifle]

The idea is, to have several for practice on manipulation of the firearm. In Europe it's not such a reach because a great deal of shooting takes place indoors. They made a device for the 1917 or 1919 Browning machine gun with belt links and all. They looked about the same. Other people make these in various calibers for various rifles.

[ob'98]

A new thing learned....thanks.

[Chuckindenver]

i have a couple for the 30-06 in the buttplate of one of my hunting rifles.
a 22 is a lot nicer on a grouse, then trying the ol headshot with the 06.

[ob'98]

A new thing learned....thanks.

Close examination reveals, on each, a stamp "EFD" and the "Broad Arrow" military stamp. So I guess they would be for a .303 British Enfield?

[browningautorifle]

That's what I was originally saying. They're for 303 British. We don't see that many of them here in Canada. Mostly consumed by collectors. They weren't used that much because 303's were re barrelled or re lined to 22 and that was that. That was more accurate than a two inch barrel. No insert to deal with.