head space

[Lawrence44]

Just got done cleaning the (most) of cosomline off my, new to me, gun. Was reading a little about headspace, how important is that to be checked on these rifles before shooting?
Not trying to be cheap, but $25.00 for a gauge I may only use once?
Thanks,
Lawrence

[Silk#2]

then have a gunsmith check it....or just try and be safe and risk it...gl

[TopperT]

Have the wife take the first shot................

[Junk Yard Dog]

The gauge is a tool that should be used regularly, every time you tear down the rifle you must check the firing pin protrusion when you reassemble the bolt, it's only a few seconds extra work to drop the gauge onto the bolt head and check the headspace as well. Very few if any of us stop at just one Mosin

[Lawrence44]

I value your experiance, I think I'll go ahead and order a set. Probably cheap in the long run...

Thanks for your input.

[bb91]

I value your experiance, I think I'll go ahead and order a set. Probably cheap in the long run...

Thanks for your input.

I just received my set of Okie headspace guages last week, I'm sure it's unusual but out of the first four rifles I tested one failed the "no go" guage test and just barely (and I mean barely) passes the "field guage" test, I switched out bolts with a spare and rechecked and it passed.

I will not be firing that one in it's current rifle/bolt setup!

I think possibly, I learned a valuble lesson here without possible injury, don't take chances!

Like JYD said there will probably be more!

Great question, BTW!

[ModelAUZI]

You could go with a buddy and have them go first. Don't be a dummy like me. My first time I put on two sets of EyePro and closed my eyes tight made the sign on the cross and pulled the trigger. I was lucky.

[WeldonHunter]

The gauge is a tool that should be used regularly, every time you tear down the rifle you must check the firing pin protrusion when you reassemble the bolt, it's only a few seconds extra work to drop the gauge onto the bolt head and check the headspace as well. Very few if any of us stop at just one Mosin

This and this http://www.okiegauges.com/sales.html these are the real deal.

[polymerase2]

Once you buy your first Mosin, you will realize that here is a real WW2 (or WW1) battle rifle that youI can own and shoot for a ridiculous price. The second one will find you at a gun show or pawn shop. I expect a typical person will have 3 after the first year. So the headspace gauge is cheap. then you can take it to a gunshow along with a $10 borelight and look like you know what you are doing.
Plus it is cheap insurance for your eyes. I scratched my cornea this year on a piece of poly rope and spent a fast $150 on co-pays. Plus it really hurts.

[husker51]

Once you buy your first Mosin, you will realize that here is a real WW2 (or WW1) battle rifle that youI can own and shoot for a ridiculous price. The second one will find you at a gun show or pawn shop. I expect a typical person will have 3 after the first year. So the headspace gauge is cheap. then you can take it to a gunshow along with a $10 borelight and look like you know what you are doing.
Plus it is cheap insurance for your eyes. I scratched my cornea this year on a piece of poly rope and spent a fast $150 on co-pays. Plus it really hurts.

I think you're right on target! My second one was a 35' Tula hex at a pawn shop. I am leaning real hard on an M39 for my third. The M/N bug bit me in April 2012. Love those Finns!

[Junk Yard Dog]

M39, good choice while they are still around.