Israeli Mauser headspace problem?

[Deadman]

I have an Israeli Mauser that while unloaded or loaded without firing has a very smooth bolt, once I fired it however, the bolt became very stiff. So I'm guessing its a head space problem.

My question is that if I take the rifle to a gunsmith, what exactly will the gunsmith try/do to fix the situation? And how expensive is it to fix head space problems in general?

Ammo used was Radway Green Nato spec 7.62x51.
And the serial no. of the receiver and bolt match (from the Israeli alteration at any rate).

 

[dude]

The headspace is easily checked by a gunsmith. Also try a different type of ammo

 

[Deadman]

Yes I understand that it is easy to check if the headspacing is correct or not with a gauge, but what exactly must be done to fix a potential problem?
Do parts need to be replaced? Or does the bolt need to be realigned in some fashion?

 

[Clemson]

The normal cure for excess Mauser headspace is to remove the barrel, set the shoulder and barrel shank forward by one thread, insuring that the sights index to the proper point at top dead center, reinstall the barrel, ream the chamber to correct the (now) too short headspace, and test fire. The gunsmith will need a lathe, reamer, headspace gauges, and test ammunition. Whatever you pay him, it probably won't be enough.

Clemson

 

[RON in PA]

Doesn't sound like a headspace problem to me, more of an ammo problem.

 

[Deadman]

Thanks Clemson thats pretty much what I wanted to know.


As for ammo, I only have Radway Green at the moment and all the gunstores here seem to have run out of other types of 7.62nato...