In our last Smyth Busters episode, about mixing and matching AR-15 bolt-carrier groups, Steve and Caleb talked about checking the headspace to make sure it’s OK after making a swap. What happens if you pull out your headspace gauge and get a “no-go” result? Can you fix / correct /adjust an AR-15’s headspace? Some folks say, “Yes.” But the AR-15’s unique setup combining a rotating bolt with a barrel extension behind the chamber makes that difficult. You’re pretty much stuck with the headspace you have when the bolt lugs lock into the barrel extension.
There are ways to change the headspace, but you really have to be a gunsmith to do it. The guys give us an overview of how EXCESS headspace is fixed. The cost of the labor to do the fix will likely be much higher than the cost of the barrel. If the headspace is too SHORT, you can get a reamer (which isn’t cheap) and ream out the chamber, but NOT if it’s chrome-lined or nitrided.
For the average shooter the best way to fix a headspace problem is to get a new barrel. If you bought it from Brownells, that’s where our “Forever Guarantee” comes in handy! So the myth isn’t exactly busted. It IS technically feasible to correct an AR-15’s headspace. It’s just not worth the cost.
Watch our earlier video, “Can You Mix & Match Bolt-Carrier Groups?”
Unfamiliar with what headspace is and why it’s important?
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Which Bolt and Barrel combos are y'all running?
While yer "fixing yer AR-15" with yer "patriot buddies" at the "tactical training weekend" out in the woods with just a bunch of wanna-be macho men, don't forget the condoms and anal lube. They're an essential part of the hyper-masculine "patriot" tool kit for guys who don't realize yet that they are gay.
Head space? What's that? 😆😉
I got one. Throw the ar15 in the trash and get a ak47. Lol I’m just kidding. Sorry just couldn’t resist the temptation. There’s always one right?
Buy an AK47 in 5.56 and you got a fixed AR.
I don't disagree, but I will add another option. I discovered I had four nitride barrels in storage that were out of spec with every bolt I tried. The GO gauge would not go. Even though they were new and unused, the supplier refused to take them back, claiming I was beyond their warranty return period (no, it was not Brownells). For me it was worth purchasing a carbide reamer from Pacific TooI and reaming the chambers myself. This is very much a trial and error process that needs to be attempted extremely slowly. I was expecting the nitride coating to offer some resistance, but the reamer went through the material like a hot knife through butter. I ran the lathe at 600 RPM and squirted some Oatey high sulfur cutting oil in the breeches. The only issue I encountered was operator induced on the first barrel. I cut a few thousandths too deeply, so now even a NO GO gauge will act like a GO gauge. On the other three barrels I just kissed their chambers and that was all they needed. The ruined barrel sits in my trash bin because trying to salvage it is not worth the effort and would require making other parts out of spec.
👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸💯💯🔫🔫☕️☕️🛎
Steve and Caleb hit in on the head…space that is..return it..
"The labor in what I just explained is more than you paid for the barrel"…unless your name is Larry Porterfield, then it can be done in under 5 minutes..😆😆😆
Get a caliber/chamber specific no-go gauge don’t check a 5.56 NATO chamber with a .223 rem no-go gauge or vice versa if your NEW rifle bolt closes/chambers on a caliber specific no go gauge send it back do not shoot it
If head space is too tight, swap in a second bolt and see if it's still tight, then replace the barrel!
It's fairly obvious that Steve wants to beat Caleb senseless.
I have a fix. Buy a Steyr AUG 😁
"You just return the (Bummer) Barrel and we replace it." Bingo and kudos to Brownells.
Do you really have to completely strip your bolt to test headspace? Can you get away with leaving the ejector in and just take the extractor off?
running Aero Percision (NITRIDE but want to send back for the PHOSPHATE C.L.) (it's unused) BCG & a Rosco 13.7
I just kept faith that Brownells contracted with quality manufacturers when I got the 20" barrel and chrome non-forward assist bolt carrier for my NCR Service rifle clone.
I just sent a barrel back because when my AP BCG from Brownells was feeding the ramps of the barrel extension was scratching and denting up the casings and stuff, plus high spots on a couple of the lugs. So just sent it back for a replacement Rosco 13.7 and after it comes back I'm ordering the Brownell's wrenchman 12.625 handguard then the base of my A.P., Magpul, Brownell's and Rosco build will be done and ready to fire. CAN'T WAIT!!!
I was a 2111 in the Marines. In the few times we ran into this we would try a different bolt. If that didnt work we would replace the barrel.
I really enjoy these videos, but does the introduction of the myth always feel a little awkward and sometimes confusing? 😅 I appreciate you all, regardless. Thanks for posting! 🙏🙂
If it ain't right send it back. Got ya.
What's a headspace? /s
99.99999% of people will never have to worry about the headspace of their ar15, for the other .00001% youre gonna buy a new barrel and bolt and call it a day
Stupid question, but could you use barrel shims around the barrel extension for headspace that’s not enough?
When you buy a barrel AND bolt / carrier group together are they normally checked for headspace before being shipped to you?
Fireform brass, back off the reloading dies, add a bit more powder… Whammo, wildcat round, 5.56 long.
Pice of scotch tape should fix ya up right 😂
Can you custom order a barrel to fit ammunition that you already have for an ar-10 ?
Well, it ain't no Enfield. 😉