Thanks Patrick : Sine the post I have searched the forum, and am in the process of finding someone that has experience with 1917, any chance he may have damaged the chamber ? Chris
Quote Originally Posted by Patrick Chadwick View Post
No, but your smith may need a new headspace gauge. The M1917 bolt is famed for having an enormous camming action, as your smith has just demonstrated. "A little snug" sounds as if the gauge was crushed to fit into the chamber.

Force should NEVER be used to close a bolt on a gauge. Your rifle does not have a headspace problem, but it seems that your smith has a problem with the correct use of precision tools. For me, the man has disqualified himself.