Gauge, inspectors, headspace, 7.62 mm rifle

[Peter Laidler]

But back to real life......... These special tools and gauges that KtK collects and produces to trip us up every so often just go to show the way life really worked at our big workshops. There was no time for hammer and bash or what you colonials call 'bubbas merchants'. You can imagine how it feels when you see boxes of breeching washers or locking shoulders etc etc at the big shows - or even bolt heads. You just walk on thinking to yourself that '.......some of these so called gunsmiths really have no idea'. Everything was thorough and methodical using the right tools for the job. Then you'd see what they're passing off as quality work............... As for letting them loose with all these gauges........... Holy sxxx! Bolts being slammed forwards on the reject, accepts being extracted and ejected with a whizzzzzz across the floor. not-to-pass plug gauges being forced in to 'prove' to the seller by the 'home made expert' that the bore really is worn out. Then, when you wince or grimace with a knowing look, they look back as though you've just come in on the banana boat

You've got me going now.............. Time for another scotch!