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I'm trying to put a 2,599,xxx Garand back to stock parts. I need a -12 S-A1 heat lot bolt.
When (if) I replace the bolt, will it affect the headspacing or are they uniform enough that it should be OK?
I'll check the headspace anyway for safety, but if I will probably need to re-headspace the rifle, I probably won't get the bolt.
-Scott
Usually, but not always, will headspace OK. Take the barreled receiver and gauges w/ you if buying in person. Don't know if I'd buy one unseen.
I have never had one NOT headspace fine after a swop. you really don't need to go check it unless you know how to diassemble the bolt, have the right gauge, etc.
just take a NEW USGI LC M2 Ball round and SHOOT it. If it does NOT fire when the bolt is FULLY engaged/shut, your headspace is way too long (not likely at all!).
(BTW, the rifle almost certainly will NOT FIRE if the HS is too short as the bolt won't fully close).
If it shoots, Go get the fired brass and check for the usual signs of excessive headspace (flattened primer, incipient head separation etc.). If there are these signs, avoid reloads until you can get it checked properly,
On the side of short head space ( tight ) with a replacement bolt make sure the bolt lugs are fully locked. These rifles are old and well used. A worn safety notch in the belly strap coupled with a worn firing pin leg will let a lot of these old rifles fire before the bolt lugs are fully seated. Whenever you change a bolt make sure you look at the lugs for complete close each shot for the first few en-blocks.
Forster Headspace Gage Field Length 30-06 Springfield, 25-06 Remington, 270 Winchester, 8mm-06 Springfield, 338-06 A-Square, 35 Whelen
Product #: 556668
| Manufacturer #: HG3006
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=556668
At $21.99 cheap, especially when you consider the consequences of bad head space.
GI headpace gauges have a notch to clear the ejector, so no disassembly is necessary. Manson Engineering made me several sets to GI specs. Beats disassembling the bolt.
Easy fix on the commercial gauge is simply to grind or file a notch to clear the ejector.