Gauge, inspectors, headspace, 7.62 mm rifle

[tankhunter]

Yes indeed, Peter's explaination of a Brass drift & 1/2 pound 'Hammer, Armourers,Ball Paign, half pound' was the 'Usual' & quicker method of testing for loose locking shoulders.

Remember, if you are doing a 'Six Monthly', on a ENTIRE Infantry Battalions Small Arms holdings. That is a LOT of Rifles to inspect, Twice a year! Not forgetting All the magazines, Bayonets. Other SMGs, LMGs, MMGs, Mortars, Anti Tank Shoulder Fired Weapons, Instruments, Optical equipments, Etc, Etc........ You get the picture I'm SURE!

ANYTHING that would speed your workload safely & efficiently. Would be utilised, even if it was not an 'Officially Approved' method. as long as it did not/ would not damage the equipment.

And more importantly, was SAFE! Mind you, there was a limit to what one could do!....call it 'tricks of the trade' picked up & learned from more learned Senior collegues at the at time.
And incorporated in your own work, out put executions!

Removing a locking shoulder with pressure was fairly easy. you NEVER, EVER drove one out with a Drift/ punch!!!! They were so hard, they would/ Have seen them, shatter!!!

A Ball bearing was placed on the left side of the locking shoulder. In the concave portion of the cross shaft. Then, pressure could be slowly applied to this B/Bearing. & the shoulder would slide in until seated.

Pete, regarding Aircraft over your domicile. We have a privately owned small grassed Airfield up the road. Owned by a Millionaire. He regularly fly's either His Spitfire or Mustang (Oh, the Agony of choice!) over my own House. Only when the weather is good/ dry. Usually late afternoons, or at weekends. & sometimes on both days at the W/End.
We are spoiled!
Oh, the sound of those Merlin Engines, so distinctive. I never tire of hearing them!