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Posted: 5/16/2008 9:57:14 PM EDT
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I got a new (1945) Garand that has some potential headspace issue. The bolt closes on the Go and No-Go gages. It almost closes on the field gage. The right lug on the bolt stops just short of touching the bottom and front of the notch. it does not touch. One gunsmith says it's okay, the other says its a big problem. Any experts here have an opinion? I would really appreciate some help. I am told it came from the CMP and TEs at 3. Thanks in advance. |
| It's my understanding that closing on the nogo ga. means the rifle is showing wear and should be checked out. IF it had closed on the field ga. then it would not be safe to shoot. Since it does not close on the field ga. it should be safe to shoot. Just check it from time to time. |
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Unfortunately to make any definate decision this we'd need to know what manufacture guages your gunsmith was using and the history of the rifle. The reason is that one brand (Forester) sizes theirs conservatively. Clymer on the other hand are right on with GI guages. In my opinion, on a broken in barrel (TE of 3 means it's broken in) if the bolt fails to close on the field guage you're OK. If it were a new barrel and the bolt closed on a no-go then your in trouble. Shoot military surplus ammo thru it and you'll be fine. If your still worried about it, take the rifle to somone who know's M1's. Your average gun shop gunsmith won't know much about M1's. Keep and eye on the brass for sings of excessive headspace...Google for pictures or better explanation. Enjoy your M1. I have a couple and LOVE to shoot them. Most people do. |
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Cool, thanks for the help. Let me clarify. I have had a number of Garands over the years. This one is from 1945. I plan to shoot it lightly and then do most of the shooting with my NM. So anyway, I borrowed Go and No-Go gages from my local shop (who does not know how to check a Garand). All three gages are Forster. The Field (mine) is marked 30-06, 270, 25-06 2.0577. The Go (gunshop) is 30-06 .1940 (i think!) it closes fine. The No-Go (gunshop) is 30-06 .1945 So here is the deal; With the bolt disassembled and the No-Go gage in place, the right lug stops about 1/16" from bottoming out in the recess. I can also slip a piece of paper cleanly between the front of the lug and the recess. With the field gage in place, the lug is about 1/8" from bottoming out. Is this good headspace? Sorry if that's a stupid question. Thanks in advance. |
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