New build - headspace question?

[cutt1100]

I have a new barrel marked 5.56 Nato. I plan to shoot only 223's in it. Do I need 5.56 headspace gauges or 223 headspace gauges? Both Midway and Brownells has both. Thanks

[DeviantLogic]

5.56 barrel = 5.56 headspace gauges

[DutyUse]

Why do you think you'll need a headspace gauge? Any quality bcg and barrel will be in spec 99% of the time

[mustangfreek]

I have a new barrel marked 5.56 Nato. I plan to shoot only 223's in it. Do I need 5.56 headspace gauges or 223 headspace gauges? Both Midway and Brownells has both. Thanks

First build or AR? If so I get the DIY thing as that's me, but if you got a friend or someone close by that's done it before I'd say offer up something and have them help/ guide of what not..Just a friendly suggestion, they are like Legos but by the question assuming your new to the platform or just building?

Also welcome!!

5.56 barrel = 5.56 headspace gauges

X2

[SINNER]

Why do you think you'll need a headspace gauge? Any quality bcg and barrel will be in spec 99% of the time

I ALWAYS headspace every build. Way more than people expect are borderline at best. Details like head spacing and pinning gas blocks, dimpling barrels on ones that can't be pinned all make the difference between another dining room assembler and a true builder IMO.

[DutyUse]

No arguments here. I just don't think a one and done builder needs to buy a set.

[Hmac]

I've never headspaced any of the 12-15 uppers that I've built, nor have I ever felt the need when swapping BCGs. IMHO, generally unnecessary if you're using a quality barrel and BCG.

[Dstrbdmedic167]

I think using headspace gauges is a great tool for giving you that extra piece of mind and verification that everything is in order. Is it truly needed? That depends on you. As HMAC said as long as your using quality parts from reputable companies your highly unlikely to have an issue relating to headspacing.

[UWone77]

I ALWAYS headspace every build. Way more than people expect are borderline at best. Details like head spacing and pinning gas blocks, dimpling barrels on ones that can't be pinned all make the difference between another dining room assembler and a true builder IMO.

LOL, this is so true. I love watching people at the range bitching their new build doesn't run... all dining room assemblers who have watched 1 youtube video.

[DutyUse]

Attention to detail certainly separates the hobbyists. But if a friend asked me should they buy a go/no go/ field gauge kit for their one build I would tell them they'd be better served spending that money on a matched bolt from the manufacture instead.

[n4p226r]

this reminds me to go look for a set of gauges. i've only built one (the other was a complete upper).

any opinions on the places that match the bolt to the barrel within tighter tolerances to the mil spec?

[n4p226r]

I ALWAYS headspace every build. Way more than people expect are borderline at best. Details like head spacing and pinning gas blocks, dimpling barrels on ones that can't be pinned all make the difference between another dining room assembler and a true builder IMO.

do i get extra points for sourcing and buying a tube of 33MS grease? I've used about 1/10000 of the tube on my first build

[UWone77]

do i get extra points for sourcing and buying a tube of 33MS grease? I've used about 1/10000 of the tube on my first build

Just buy a Gear Sector Handguard, they include a small tub, enough for a lifetime of builds.

[cutt1100]

It's a Wilson barrel with a Wilson BCG.

[Joelski]

You can spend $60 on a go/no go set, but I'd wager $1,000 of UWOne's money that those parts are in-spec.