I have a Mosin Nagant M44 built in 1945. She is in good shape, barrel is very clean and rifling is in good shape. It was suggested to me to check the head space before I fired it so I purchased a No-Go and Field gauge. Since the gauges I purchased require the extractor pin to be removed from the bolt-head for the test, and so that I would not need to remove my extractor from the bolt head, I purchased a second Mosin bolt head without the extractor to use specifically for the test. Thus, all tests are performed with the extractor pin removed from the bolt-head.
-- Round Chambered
I did not buy a go gauge. I figure if the gun will chamber a round, then it will pass a Go gauge test. Below is a photo with a round chambered. Everthing seems fine, the bolt closes with what feels like normal resistance.
-- No-Go gauge test
When I test with the No-Go gauge, I can almost close it... the bolt handle will turn down and stops at about 1/3 to 1/2 of an inch from being completely closed. I imagine that if I put some force behind it, I might be able to push the bolt handle all the way down. I didn't force it as I don't want to damage anything.
-- Field gauge test
The bolt does not close on the field gauge. Even if I were to use extreme force, I don't believe it would close on the field gauge.
I believe it has passed both the No-Go and the Field gauge test, but I would like another opinion or two before I start shooting this "cannon" at the range. If you have any experience with these field gauges on the Mosin, please let me know what you think.
Thanks.
-- Round Chambered
I did not buy a go gauge. I figure if the gun will chamber a round, then it will pass a Go gauge test. Below is a photo with a round chambered. Everthing seems fine, the bolt closes with what feels like normal resistance.
-- No-Go gauge test
When I test with the No-Go gauge, I can almost close it... the bolt handle will turn down and stops at about 1/3 to 1/2 of an inch from being completely closed. I imagine that if I put some force behind it, I might be able to push the bolt handle all the way down. I didn't force it as I don't want to damage anything.
-- Field gauge test
The bolt does not close on the field gauge. Even if I were to use extreme force, I don't believe it would close on the field gauge.
I believe it has passed both the No-Go and the Field gauge test, but I would like another opinion or two before I start shooting this "cannon" at the range. If you have any experience with these field gauges on the Mosin, please let me know what you think.
Thanks.