How to Headspace Your AR-15: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Headspace an AR-15
The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both hunting and self-defense. However, it is important to ensure that your AR-15 is properly headspaced before firing it. Headspace is the distance between the bolt face and the rear of the chamber. If the headspace is incorrect, it can cause the rifle to malfunction, which can be dangerous.
Headspacing an AR-15 is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully. In this article, we will walk you through the process of headspaceing an AR-15. We will also provide tips on how to troubleshoot any problems that you may encounter.
What is Headspace?
Headspace is the distance between the bolt face and the rear of the chamber. This distance is critical for ensuring that the rifle fires properly. If the headspace is too great, the cartridge will not be fully seated in the chamber and may cause the rifle to malfunction. If the headspace is too small, the cartridge will be too tightly seated in the chamber and may cause the bolt to rupture.
The correct headspace for an AR-15 is typically between 0.002 and 0.004 inches. This distance is measured with a headspace gauge.
How to Headspace an AR-15
Headspacing an AR-15 is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully.
1. Assemble the AR-15. Make sure that the rifle is unloaded and that the bolt is closed.
2. Install the headspace gauge. The headspace gauge is a tool that is used to measure the distance between the bolt face and the rear of the chamber. There are two types of headspace gauges: go gauges and no-go gauges. Go gauges are used to check for excessive headspace, while no-go gauges are used to check for insufficient headspace.
3. Insert the headspace gauge into the chamber. The headspace gauge should be inserted into the chamber with the bolt closed.
4. Turn the bolt clockwise until it stops. The bolt should stop turning when it is fully engaged with the headspace gauge.
5. Measure the headspace. Use a micrometer to measure the distance between the bolt face and the rear of the chamber.
Troubleshooting
If the headspace is incorrect, you will need to adjust the headspace by either removing material from the bolt face or adding material to the chamber.
To remove material from the bolt face, you can use a file or a grinding wheel. To add material to the chamber, you can use a reamer or a chambering tool.
It is important to note that headspace is a critical measurement and should only be adjusted by a qualified gunsmith. If you are not comfortable making adjustments to the headspace, you should take your rifle to a gunsmith.
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assemble the AR-15 upper receiver and lower receiver. |  |
| 2 | Install the barrel into the upper receiver. |  |
| 3 | Install the bolt carrier group (BCG) into the upper receiver. |  |
| 4 | Install the gas block and gas tube. |  |
| 5 | Install the handguard. |  |
| 6 | Install the muzzle device. |  |
| 7 | Install the charging handle. |  |
| 8 | Install the bolt. |  |
| 9 | Lubricate the AR-15. |  |
| 10 | Headspace the AR-15. |  |
How to Headspace an AR-15?
Headspace is the distance between the face of the bolt and the rear of the chamber. It is critical for safety and accuracy that the headspace on an AR-15 is correct. If the headspace is too tight, the bolt will not be able to fully close on the cartridge, and this can cause the cartridge to rupture when fired. If the headspace is too loose, the bolt will not be able to hold the cartridge securely in the chamber, and this can also cause the cartridge to rupture when fired.
The correct headspace for an AR-15 is 2.260 inches. This measurement is taken from the face of the bolt to the nearest lands and grooves of the chamber.
Headspacing an AR-15 is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Tools and Materials
The following tools and materials are required to headspace an AR-15:
- AR-15 upper receiver
- AR-15 bolt carrier group
- AR-15 headspace gauge
- AR-15 barrel nut wrench
- AR-15 torque wrench
- AR-15 cleaning rod
- AR-15 bore brush
- AR-15 chamber brush
- AR-15 lubricant
Procedure
1. Assemble the AR-15 upper receiver and bolt carrier group.
2. Install the headspace gauge in the barrel extension.
3. Install the bolt carrier group in the upper receiver.
4. Turn the castle nut until the headspace gauge is snug against the bolt face.
5. Use the torque wrench to tighten the castle nut to 35 ft-lbs of torque.
6. Remove the headspace gauge from the barrel extension.
7. Measure the headspace with a micrometer.
8. The headspace should be 2.260 inches.
9. If the headspace is not correct, adjust the barrel extension until the headspace is correct.
10. Reinstall the headspace gauge and verify that the headspace is correct.
Headspacing an AR-15 is a critical safety procedure that should be performed by any AR-15 owner. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that your AR-15 is safe and accurate.
Here are some additional tips for headspaceing an AR-15:
- Use a quality headspace gauge.
- Make sure that the headspace gauge is properly installed in the barrel extension.
- Tighten the castle nut to the correct torque.
- Use a micrometer to measure the headspace.
- If the headspace is not correct, adjust the barrel extension until the headspace is correct.
- Reinstall the headspace gauge and verify that the headspace is correct.
By following these tips, you can safely and accurately headspace your AR-15.
Clean and inspect the AR-15 upper receiver and bolt carrier group
The first step in headspace inspection is to clean and inspect the AR-15 upper receiver and bolt carrier group. This will ensure that there is no debris or other contaminants that could interfere with the measurement.
To clean the upper receiver, use a solvent and a brush to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Be sure to clean the inside of the receiver as well as the outside.
To clean the bolt carrier group, remove the bolt from the carrier and soak it in a solvent. Use a brush to clean the inside of the carrier and the bolt. Be sure to clean the gas key and the extractor.
Once the upper receiver and bolt carrier group are clean, inspect them for any damage. Look for cracks, chips, or other damage that could affect the headspace.
If there is any damage to the upper receiver or bolt carrier group, it should be repaired or replaced before proceeding with the headspace inspection.
Install the headspace gauge in the AR-15 upper receiver
The next step is to install the headspace gauge in the AR-15 upper receiver. The headspace gauge is a tool that is used to measure the distance between the bolt face and the chamber.
To install the headspace gauge, first remove the bolt from the carrier. Then, insert the headspace gauge into the bolt carrier group. The headspace gauge should fit snugly into the carrier group.
Once the headspace gauge is installed, you can use it to measure the headspace. To do this, align the headspace gauge with the bolt face and measure the distance between the two.
The correct headspace for an AR-15 is 0.006 inches. If the headspace is too tight, the bolt will not be able to close properly. If the headspace is too loose, the bolt will not be able to hold the cartridge securely.
If the headspace is not within the acceptable range, the AR-15 will need to be re-headspaced.
Headspace inspection is an important part of maintaining an AR-15. By following these steps, you can ensure that your AR-15 is safe to shoot and that it will perform reliably.
How do I headspace an AR-15?
1. Make sure the rifle is unloaded and safe to work on.
2. Remove the bolt from the rifle.
3. Place the bolt in a headspace gauge.
4. Rotate the bolt until the gauge contacts the bolt face.
5. The headspace should be between 0.004″ and 0.006″.
6. If the headspace is too great, you will need to install a thicker barrel extension.
7. If the headspace is too small, you will need to install a thinner barrel extension.
What are the symptoms of an out-of-headspace AR-15?
- Failure to feed or eject
- Excessive bolt bounce
- Keyholing or accuracy problems
- Headspace gauges are available from a variety of manufacturers.
What is the difference between go and no-go headspace gauges?
Go gauges are used to check for excessive headspace. No-go gauges are used to check for insufficient headspace.
Can I headspace an AR-15 without a headspace gauge?
It is possible to headspace an AR-15 without a headspace gauge, but it is not recommended. Headspace gauges are inexpensive and easy to use, and they will give you a more accurate measurement.
What are the risks of headspace problems?
Headspace problems can cause the rifle to fail to fire, or to fire out of battery. Both of these conditions can be dangerous, and they can result in serious injury or death.
How often should I headspace my AR-15?
You should headspace your AR-15 whenever you install a new barrel or bolt. You should also headspace your rifle if you notice any of the symptoms of an out-of-headspace rifle.
headspace is an essential part of AR-15 maintenance and should be checked regularly to ensure that your rifle is functioning properly. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily headspace your AR-15 and keep it in top condition.
Here are a few key takeaways from this article:
- Headspace is the distance between the bolt face and the rear of the chamber.
- A properly headspaced AR-15 will fire reliably and safely.
- Headspace can be checked with a headspace gauge.
- If your AR-15 is not headspaced correctly, it could cause a catastrophic failure.
- Headspace should be checked every time you install a new bolt or barrel in your AR-15.
By following these tips, you can keep your AR-15 running smoothly and safely for years to come.