Headspace question

[Moccasin]

Should you headspace a C&R firearm before buying it even if it has been "re-arsenaled"?

I took a modified headspace gage to the gun show last weekend in case we found a rifle (Mosin-Nagant) that we wanted to buy. The modification allowed for the headspace to be checked without removing the ejector from the bolt, makes it very quick and easy to check the headspace. One guy refused to allow me to check them before buying- "they've all been re-arsenaled". We left his table and found another where they had no problem with me checking before buying.

What are your thoughts on this? Should the headspace be checked even if it's been re-arsenaled?

[flowmaster]

its not a bad idea. i've heard of people checking the headspace on lee enfields but i havn't heard much about people checking the headspace on mosin nagants. is this one of those go/no go gauges?

[Moccasin]

I have a "no-go" gage and a "field" gage for rifles chambered in 7.62x54r (Mosins). I didn't get the "go" gage since all it does is gage whether the bolt will actually close on the round, just stick an empty casing in it. I modified the field gage so I could check the headspace quickly. Normally the extractor would have to be removed from the bolt but I filed a flat spot on the gage so that wouldn't be required. The thought was to use the field gage when I couldn't disassemble the bolt, use the no go gage when I could.

My personal opinion is that if you are buying anything used you should check the headspace. Doesn't matter that it's been "re-arsenaled" or anything else. If a rifle won't pass the field gage check you run the risk of gasses and parts of the rifle blowing back into your face when you fire it. Now if you are buying for display only then that's a different story, no need to check the headspace.

[vbrtrmn]

Midway USA has a 7.62x54R no-go gauge...

PTG Headspace No-Go Gage 7.62x54mm Rimmed Russian (7.62x53mm Rimmed)
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=117547
$27.99