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Posted: 4/23/2006 3:48:57 PM EDT
| Do I need headspace gauges? Do I need Go, No Go, or Field? |
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I just had a Kaboom on my AR. I would HIGHLY recommend getting at least Go and Field gauges. I've learned a lot in the past week and will NEVER, EVER fail to test headspace on a new barrel and bolt combo regardless of brand name. You cannot trust a barrel/ bolt combo from different companies. I just had a new CMMG barrel and an LMT enhanced bolt blow up in my face because I trusted the reputation of both companies. Not their fault, just that the two parts used together provided too much headspace and reacted violently. The trouble is that different companies use different tolerances and specs in their barrels, barrel extensions and bolts. You team a Bushmaster barrel with an LMT bolt, both great quality, and you could have a tolerance stacking issue, which is what happened to me. Do not trust that a Colt bolt and a Bushmaster barrel or any other possible combo will be okay because of brand names. Get the gauges and check for yourself. You do not need a NO-GO gauge as that is basically a reference point to where the actual headspace falls. If the bolt closes on a GO gauge and DOES NOT close on a FIELD gauge, then the headspace is okay and the gun is safe to fire. For a general use AR (not a precision AR) closing or not closing on a NO-GO gauge simply tells you which end of the acceptable range the headspace falls. It will also show you changes to headspace due to wear. The only barrel and bolt combo that I would trust to headespace properly would be when it's all from one company, both barrel and bolt are Colt or both Bushmaster, whatever. This way the tolerances and specs remain the same throughout. |
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Tony Rumore performed tests using a rifle with extremely too much headspace on purpose. He could never get a kaboom -- all he ever got was case head separation. He claims that it is impossible to kaboom a rifle due to excessive headspace. Those were his results, and I make no claims to their validity. 
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Homeinvader, I would be interested to know exactly what happened in your Kaboom. Just curious, info. about the ammo, maybe pics of the bolt, carrier and the uppers damage? I too have never had or seen a Kaboom in an AR or an M16. Most importantly, are you alright? Any serious injuries, burns or ? I would imagine that it least scared the beejebees out of 'ya. Wow. |
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