[john917v]

I want to get my new Savage 12fv in .223 head-spaced (to improve accuracy?). My local 'smith offers to do it for $5. The shop/store is a 'mom-and-pop' type of place. They do machine work there. I know they don't have cnc machinery, but they have a lathe and mill. They've been in business for at least 6 years, probably more. My question is, does $5 seem like enough for a quality head-spacing job? Seems low to me, and I live in Tx, to gauge relative prices. Also, is this a difficult procedure, that can easily ruin anything?? Thanks for any advice given.

[Riss]

Is is quite easy, but $5 is low. Tear the action out of the stock, take the extractor out of the bolt. Place the barrel in a vise and loosen the lock nut. Check the headspace and turn the barrel in a hair if needed to shorten the headspace. Using a go and no go gauge to see where you are. Tighten the lock nut and reassemble.

[Jim Watson]

Why do you think you need to get your new rifle "headspaced to improve accuracy?"

Accuracy is not a strong function of headspace adjustment until you get way down in the competitive benchrest range.

Any road, I think all you would get for $5 is a quick check with headspace gauges; the Go goes in, the No-Go does not. Headspace ADJUSTMENT as described by Riss would take a while even for the simple Savage system and would cost a good deal more by any shop I know of.

[Riss]

By any measurement of time involved it is still a failry complicated project to get it right. My Savage in 300 WSM was helped by setting it back a little. The same could be done by proper handloading for the rifle in question using benchrest dies and the proper measuring tools.

[Kernel]

Maybe the 'smith ment "check" the headspace for $5. I can't imagine any good 'smith or mechanic picking up a wrench for under $25.

[johnds]

Go over to savageshooters.com and ask this question. For $5 you get a quick check with a gauge, not an adjustment. I can't see where this would affect accuracy.

Johnds