Headspace Guages

[roadman]

I'm new to the forum and have a question regarding headspace guages.* I've picked up a handful of military surps over the past 6 months or so (an 8 mm Spanish Mauser, a Lee Enfield 4 Mk1, and 2 Russian 7.62 X 54 carbines (a M44 and a M38)).* I'd like to start checking headspace on these and other firearms that I hope/plan to buy (if the wife will let me). The cost of guages for these firearms looks pricey, however.* Am I relegated to buying "No" and "No Go" guages for every caliber I'm interested in or is there something more universal out there?* At $25 a pop this could get expensive.* Any advice is much appreciated.Thanks,Roadman

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[tiriaq]

A Field gauge would be the one to get if you are not gunsmithing. If your rifle accepts a Field, it is an indication that attention might be needed.
If a rifle accepts standard ammunition, you don't need a Go gauge. A No Go is most useful if you are fitting a bolt or a barrel.

[powmia56]

+1 tiriaq. If you are planning on doing any rebuilding like barrel or bolt replacement you'll want more but they are expensive. I still have to borrow from a friend whenever I do that kind of work on the M-14s as I haven't been able to afford even a set of .308, let alone gauges for every caliber that I have in my collection.

PS You may already know this, but don't forget that in order to perform headspace checks the bolt needs to be stripped. At least on all the rifles I have worked on.

[emma b]

Hello again from Vancouver. I'm in the process of tracking down some gauges too but now I'm all mixed up. I was on the Numerich site which has them listed, but instead of listing one caliber they mention many sizes. So for example .308 will also fit .243, .358, 7mm08 and 7.62 Nato. I suppose the chamber length on these would be the same. But, .308 and Nato don't have the same Go anyway. I understand (probably incorrectly) that 7.62 GO, or a "proper fit" in laymans terms, starts close to or at the .308 NO GO or a loose fit. (between the bolt and chamber face). Right or wrong. Any body with some thoughts out there to clarify this would be appreciated. Thanks. PS I didn't see any 54R gauges but they do have 8X57 maus and 303brit and 7mm maus for 27.00 ea .Cheers