[larry408]

I bought a MAS 1936 at a gun show in Jackson, MS yesterday. It has been converted to .308. I stopped at a gun shop on the way home and had the headspace checked. It closed tight on a .308 no-go gage. I have heard that if it closes tight on a .308 no-go that it is safe to use 7.62x51 surplus ammo. Is this true or not? I am going to take it to another gunsmith for a complete checkup.

[Jim K]

I have no high opinion of that rifle, but it should be safe with 7.62 NATO spec ammunition. The original round is in the same pressure class. Actually, the commercial .308 Winchester is loaded a bit hotter than the military.

I don't know what checks the importer did on those rifles after they were altered, but I wouldn't be very concerned unless it swallows a Field gauge. The GO and NO-GO gauges are used at the factory or when replacing a bolt or barrel; almost any rifle that has seen use will accept the NO-GO gauge. The Field gauge is more appropriate for a used rifle.

Jim