7.62 headspace gauges - which are good

[judaspriest]

Given that buying even 2 out of 3 headspace gauges for a $100 rifle increases the total cost by some 50%, I am trying to find an economic set of gauges for 7.62x54R AND 7.62x39. I saw this article http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/headspace/index.asp - it lists a number of different manufacturers. I liked the coin-styled gauges the most as they are the easiest to use (I am a bit reluctant to remove the extractor from the M44 bolt, especially if I want to re-check from time to time). I see there are also some other manufacturers out there. The cheapest I could find so far are the forsters on callingcoyotes.com, but they only offer FIELD and NO-GO, hopefully that's enough:

http://www.callingcoyotes.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FRBG762RN
http://www.callingcoyotes.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FRBG762RF

I haven't found any good deals on the 7.62x39 yet.

Any recommendations / reviews of the different brands and tips will be very much appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

JP

 

[Sunray]

Cheap guages are just that. Go to Brownell's site and search for headspace guages. The No-Go and Field are all you need. However, you need a pair for each cartridge. A No-Go for each will do. If the bolt ever closes on it, then buy the Field. The only time you'll need a Go is if you ever change the bolt or barrel. It tells you if the headspace is within minimum spec.
Forster guages are good. Clymer is the other maker of guages. Brownell's sells both. Although they don't stock Forsters for either of the guages you want and they're currently out of stock for No-Go's for the 7.62 x 54 from Clymer. http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/catsearch.aspx?k=headspace+guages&ps=10&si=True
"...the coin-styled gauges..." The what? Headspace guages check the tolerance based on the style of case. A 'coin-style' will be useless for a cartridge, like the 7.62 x 39, that headspaces on the shoulder.
"...reluctant to remove the extractor..." No need. Just slip the guage under the extractor and close the bolt.

 

[judaspriest]

Sunray,

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

Regarding the coin style gauges, here's where they mention them:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting...pace/index.asp

Thanks

JP

 

[Doggy Daddy]

Just got a no-go and field guage for 7.62 x 54 from http://www.riflemagazine.com/catalog/detail.cfm?ProductID=1104 . Might want to check them out. If I recall, they were about $18 each.

 

[judaspriest]

Yep, that's exactly the price and they have in stock - sure beats the $16 price for something out of stock

THANKS!

 

[Clark]

I measure some brass that I am going to use, and then choose one as a headspace gauge, and others with various layers of masking tape to tell me how close I am getting.

If my brother and his lathe are involved, I buy a go gauge mail order.
No amount of handwaving can over come his lack of listening.