First post and P17 sporter question

[rsu11]

An update: I picked up a composite sporter stock as a testing platform and also checked headspace with a Forster field gauge for 30-06. Interesting results - the bolt nearly closes on the gauge. When I say nearly, I mean just a few degrees of rotation short of complete closing. I put witness marks on the receiver and bolt to show the 1/8" of difference - see the pics attached. Check was done with a stripped bolt using light finger pressure on the handle.

First pic shows completely closed bolt on empty chamber with safety engaged.
Second pic shows bolt just shy of closing on the gauge, about 1/8 inch between the marks. Safety will not engage.

I've read several other posts on this subject, one with the same issue but no pics. Most say the gun is safe to shoot, but hard on the brass. It seems like there is no more forward bolt travel around this point in the rotation, but there must be some slight cam action since the handle stopped just short of completely closing.

I'm inclined to shoot it once with a Garand load (lower pressure) and check out the brass measurements. If it checks out, I'll run some more Garand loads and look for consistency.

So technically it didn't close on a field gauge but it's within a gnat's eyelash. What say ye? Safe to shoot?

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[browningautorifle]

So technically it didn't close on a field gauge

I'd say THAT...it didn't close.

[fjruple]

I'd say THAT...it didn't close.

Agree Jim, not closed. Probably needs a wicker of a turn on a final reamer or buy an additional stripped bolt and try it. Usually US Ordnance had a pile of bolts to try to fit probably not an option today.