Headspace gauges for P17?

[Rockandroll]

Can one use the M1 Garand headspace gauges for the P17? My P17 bolt closes on the ‘no go’ gauge and I’m somewhat concerned. Thanks

Information

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[browningautorifle]

A set of standard .30/06 gauges should work. How are yours different? When we did the M1s around here we just stripped the bolt and use normal Brownells product. Not to worry too much on the M1917 though, can you get a field gauge to try? If it fails 'Field" then you worry.

[RCS]

My photo shows some, not a complete set of WW2 era headspace gages for the M1 Rifle. Note the gages all have a notch cut out for the M1 ejector. This way you don't have to take the bolt apart to check the headspace. You could use these gages for other rifles of the same caliber.

Please note that the best way to check the headspace on the M1 rifle is to disassemble the bolt for a more correct check. I would never use the gages in my photo to check headspace because I don't know if they have been checked for calibration. Attachment 119776 Each gage should have a gage card with the drawing number on the gage and the correct dimension

[72 usmc]

At gun shows they do not let you strip a bolt. I use a Forster ( better quality,you can also use a Clymer ) FIELD gauge to see if the bolt closes down. Both US gauges are SAAMI spec so if it does close down, the rifle may pass on a military gauge. I never had an arsenal 30-06 gauge. I slip my FIELD gauge under the extractor and slowly close down the bolt on a clean chamber. If it does not close on a FIELD gauge, my US 30-06 Enfield is good to go. If the bolt closes, I walk away from the rifle. More than a few close on a Forster FIELD gauge. Now if it does not close down it's really good. Most do not worry at all about headspace-they read the brass.

I check all rifles with FIELD gauges prior to purchase and do not care about a no go fail. Remember, no one will allow disassembly of the bolt prior to purchase or at a gun show. But if a rifle fails at a show under normal conditions it's a dog. When you get such a dog home and do a more correct test it will never pass. You do an initial gun show test to avoid a good screwing from a dealer. And sure it can pass A FIELD test, get home and clean it and take down the bolt and it could fail... But at least you gave it your best try. Most consider headspace a waste of time--those are the guys selling out of spec rifles. All my junk surplus rifles I test with a FIELD gauge, generally a military spec gauge and only buy examples that pass. At todays prices I would be really sure to test a specimen. My procedure of rifle inspections see SRF:
Buying first surplus rifle, what to look for - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org


Also important is a bore muzzle gauge to see if you are around 0-1.5 for wear. Look at the crown.

When you get home you can pull the firing pin and spring ,clean the sucker spotless and give it a true FIELD headspace test.:mad smile:
see How Do You Check Headspace on a M1917? - CMP Forums

general info Headspace Gauge Info Link - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

The CMP uses Clymer SAAMI gauges. The Clymer gauges use the USGI datum points so they're also easier to figure headspace.
GO ? Do not own
No GO Clymer CMP 1.946
FIELD Clymer CMP 1.950

[twh]

Also remember above all else there is no such thing as a P17 it’s a model 1917.

[72 usmc]

Can one use the M1icon Garand headspace gauges for the P17? My P17 bolt closes on the ‘no go’ gauge and I’m somewhat concerned. Thanks

YES! Do a FIELD gauge test. Did it pass? You are ready to shoot.
Oversize brass? FIRE FORM and neck size reloads and you are good to go. :mad smile:
US model 1917 Enfields make great rifles and the you need a proper British P14 in 303 even more fun...
Please let us know if it passes a field headspace test.
---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 AM ----------




And I love that original set of arsenal military gauges, thanks RCS, a photo I had to saved repost on SRF

[lithgow1918]

Also remember above all else there is no such thing as a P17 it’s a model 1917.

http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIR...ld_p14-p17.pdf
It's been called that for a long enough time it may as well exist, (note the p14/p17 was added later).

and

https://www.gunboards.com/attachment...s-pdf.3785015/

[Daan Kemp]

Around here most shooters knows what a P17 is, nobody knows about a model 1917.

[twh]

That's funny since there is no such thing as a P-17 and I would suggest it actually the opposite, but if you find one you can store it in the rack next to your P-1 Garand. If you are really confused look at the receiver ring and tell me what it says.

[Rockandroll]

Well, I got a safe queen. Bolt closes on a Foster field gauge (2.055”). The chance of finding a good P17 (model of 1917) are slim. I don’t collect British. I have collected most all of smokeless powder era U.S. rifles up to the M4, less the 1941 Johnson.