Headspace gauges?

[lyon13]

Ok I still have a lot to learn about the actual mechanics of firearms so give me a little time. I know what headspace is and how to use a gauge my problem is that I a little tight for money right now and was wondering I need to buy a full three set or if I can just get a single gauge to make sure that the gun is safe to fire?

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[CINDERS]

If its for a 303 you need 2 a .064 Go Gauge & .074 No Go and thats it.

[lyon13]

Ok so 303 I just need a go and a no-go? I 've been told that I just need a field for the mosins any truth to that?

[CINDERS]

Don't own one others will come along shortly but why not use the search bar top Rt of the page for this site and see if you can find the information you require.

[tiriaq]

Ok I still have a lot to learn about the actual mechanics of firearms so give me a little time. I know what headspace is and how to use a gauge my problem is that I a little tight for money right now and was wondering I need to buy a full three set or if I can just get a single gauge to make sure that the gun is safe to fire?

A Field gauge will tell you if a rifle's headspace exceeds established tolerances.
If you are fitting barrels, Go and No Go gauges are useful.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Ok I still have a lot to learn about the actual mechanics of firearms so give me a little time. I know what headspace is and how to use a gauge my problem is that I a little tight for money right now and was wondering I need to buy a full three set or if I can just get a single gauge to make sure that the gun is safe to fire?

There is a possibly dangerous logical error here. If headspace is out of tolerance that may mean that it is unsafe to fire. But the converse conclusion that if headspace is within tolerance then it is safe to fire IS JUST NOT TRUE and may give one a false sense of security when other, really dangerous defects are present.

As you have said: you need some time to learn more about the mechanics of firearms. Before worrying about headspace, please read up on such aspects as "slam fire" and "safety-off fire" - often the result of Bubba filing around in a misguided attempt to lighten the trigger pull. Drilled-through chambers (search the Lee-enfield forum) or dud chambers revived by inserted sleeves that rust at the front joint (known from caliber conversions) is the kind of hazard that will not be revealed by gauges. Faults like these are much more dangerous than an out-of-tolerance headspace.

[lyon13]

As you have said: you need some time to learn more about the mechanics of firearms

Yah I probably could have worded that better, what I meant is that for example you ask me to spot check a function that I can do, but if you ask me to do a full armory write up on an AR and I will need a day and a half to figure out how to break the rifle down without breaking something.
But the hole drilled through the chamber is a new one I am going to look that up right now.