Head spacing options

[Leatherneck]

I am building an AR-15 and am preparing to set .the head spacing. At this point the tools are anywhere from 60 to $200. Are there any other options for setting the head spacing besides having to spend that kind of money on tools I may only use once or twice. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[jeep78]

Buy a pre matched bolt and barrel. They are available from the target shooter suppliers, like White Oak..

 

[jeep78]

I am building an AR-15 and am preparing to set .the head spacing. At this point the tools are anywhere from 60 to $200. Are there any other options for setting the head spacing besides having to spend that kind of money on tools I may only use once or twice. Thanks for your suggestions.

At $200, I assume you already have a lathe and good precision micrometers, and such. 200 bucks will barely buy the extension wrench, HS gauges and a good quality barrel clamp.

 

[Leatherneck]

At $200, I assume you already have a lathe and good precision micrometers, and such. 200 bucks will barely buy the extension wrench, HS gauges and a good quality barrel clamp.[/QUOTE

You got it. That's why I am asking for other options.

 

[jeep78]

You are buying a raw barrel with no extension or gasport?

 

[Wallace's]

Why are you "setting the headspace" Are you installing a barrel extension on a barrel blank and cutting the chamber?

 

[rockyfatcat]

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/3...MI0JTRp8Xf1QIVyYWzCh0A1AIyEAQYAyABEgL1zPD_BwE

• Headspace standards are set by SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) specifications.
• Headspace is measured from the bolt face to one of four locations, depending on the cartridge used. The measurement is taken from the rim of rimmed cases like the .30-30, or the shoulder of a necked case like the .30-06, the case mouth of a straight or tapered case like the 30 Carbine, or the belt of a belted case like the .300 Winchester Magnum.
• 
  
  
• Headspace gauges are available in three different lengths, listed below, from shortest to longest:
• Go Gauge: Go Gauges match the minimum chamber dimensions allowable under SAAMI specifications. In order to accept SAAMI maximum ammunition, the rifle must be able to chamber the correct go gauge.
• No-Go Gauge: No-Go Gauges are sized to the maximum recommended headspace dimensions. If a rifle will chamber the no-go gauge, it may still be within specifications, or this could indicate excessive headspace. To determine if the rifle is safe to shoot, the chamber must be checked with the field gauge.
• Field Gauge: Field Gauges correspond to the maximum safe headspace dimension. If a rifle will chamber a field gauge, it should be inspected and repaired by a competent gunsmith prior to use.

I am not a gunsmith. I would think that new milspec parts from different manufacturers should fall within acceptable range. I'd bet thousands are assembled and test fired without measuring this.

 

[Leatherneck]

Why are you "setting the headspace" Are you installing a barrel extension on a barrel blank and cutting the chamber?

No. I bought the barrel at PSA and am installing it on an Anderson upper. I have the gas tube and block, free float barrel nut, ready to go as well.
I thought I needed to check the head space once the upper receiver is assembled. Is that true?

 

[Duce4trey]

No. I bought the barrel at PSA and am installing it on an Anderson upper. I have the gas tube and block, free float barrel nut, ready to go as well.
I thought I needed to check the head space once the barrel is assembled. Is that true?

if you have quality mil spec parts there should be no reason to do so.

I never have but im no #operator

 

[JWAR91]

No. I bought the barrel at PSA and am installing it on an Anderson upper. I have the gas tube and block, free float barrel nut, ready to go as well.
I thought I needed to check the head space once the upper receiver is assembled. Is that true?

You're not actually setting it then, just checking it
I checked mine to be safe but someone on here may check it for you?