Carbine won't headspace

[wfo87]

Working on a couple carbines I picked up. One in particular closes on the no go gauge on 5 different bolts. It is a really nice Inland MW 1 barrel 1944. Are there any bolts known to run longer? Anyone have any longer bolts? Any ideas on salvaging the barrel?

[Rob W.]

Sounds like maybe the barrel was replaced. Is it an Inland barrel that dates correctly to the receiver?

[wfo87]

Definetly a replacement

[Mike in NC]

I have run across some goofball WRA flat bolts that are extra long. My observation is that at least some of the post-war round Underwood bolts are on the long side. The post-war Underwood bolts are the ones with the drain hole on the bottom and marked with a "U" under the left lug.

Try using a field gauge before you give up. If I remember correctly, the longest field gauges are something like 1.302".

[Rob W.]

You might have to tighten up the barrel and use a shim. I agree on the late .U. round bolts.

[wfo87]

So if the field gauge won't close it would still be considered safe to shoot?

[wfo87]

And if the field gauge does close No Bueno?

[Ma Deuce]

if it wont close on the field your good ,but you need to keep a eye on it as once it closes on the field you need to replace the barrel or make other ajustments

[6 Ring]

Commercial field gauges are 1.299"
GI field gauge is 1.302"

[HB of CJ]

Remove the barreled action from the stock. See if the barrel and receiver index marks line up. That is the first step. The barrel may simply not be screwed on too much.or possibly not enough.

Next check the parallel on the flats of the barrel bottom on the receiver. This may tell you how bad, (if any) the barrel may be either under screwed on or over screwed on. Both steps easily done.

Beg, borrow or steal a set of commercial head space gauges. Try to locate the type that do not require removing the extractor or ejector from the bolt. Then try to locate a USGI "field reject" 1.302" gauge.

Subjective and caution. If your USGI Carbine closes on a commercial "field" gauge, (1.299) but does not close on a USGI "field reject" gage, then your carbine may be safe to shoot a little bit. Not too much.

Check the fired brass for overall length and excessive head space issues, (bulging, ringing, etc.,) With commercial or GI non reloaded brass you may be OK. Again, subjective and use caution.

Finally see how the pop gun prints on a bench rest at 50 yards up and down and side to side. Also run some barrel straightness gauges down the bore. Perhaps you can find a good Carbine gunsmith.