Breech block extractor problem

DonVoigt · 08-25-2015, 09:42 AM

Vic,
replace the breech block before you decide the barrel is bad or cut too deep.
The block is the other part of the headspace equation, and a longer block will reduce the head space..

The Guages I measured are the go, and no go guages. There is a third-the "field" guage which is longer(I have not been able to find out how long) and is the one used to determine when repair is needed.

When you described measuring your head space, you did not have .776 as you "felt" resistance, but then kept pushing, so your head space IS below the max.

I would try again with a steel guage and do not use any force, of course the striker and it's spring must be removed for the test.

Even if it were slightly above the max, I do not think this is the problem or even part of the problem you see.

And don't forget, military specs and European specs are quite likely different than SAAMI specs.

Folks tend to worry about head space more than necessary, even to the point of obsession; within reason, head space only affects accuracy and the surety of ignition.

One of my favorite pictures is one of a short rifle cartridge fired in a long chamber, head space of about 1/4" and the only noticable
result of the firing was the odd brass that was ejected! This was caused by a re-chambered rifle that was not marked.

Has little to do with Lugers, but a lot to say about head space.

08-25-2015, 09:42 AM	#25
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,443 Thanked 4,355 Times in 2,041 Posts	Vic, replace the breech block before you decide the barrel is bad or cut too deep. The block is the other part of the headspace equation, and a longer block will reduce the head space.. The Guages I measured are the go, and no go guages. There is a third-the "field" guage which is longer(I have not been able to find out how long) and is the one used to determine when repair is needed. When you described measuring your head space, you did not have .776 as you "felt" resistance, but then kept pushing, so your head space IS below the max. I would try again with a steel guage and do not use any force, of course the striker and it's spring must be removed for the test. Even if it were slightly above the max, I do not think this is the problem or even part of the problem you see. And don't forget, military specs and European specs are quite likely different than SAAMI specs. Folks tend to worry about head space more than necessary, even to the point of obsession; within reason, head space only affects accuracy and the surety of ignition. One of my favorite pictures is one of a short rifle cartridge fired in a long chamber, head space of about 1/4" and the only noticable result of the firing was the odd brass that was ejected! This was caused by a re-chambered rifle that was not marked. Has little to do with Lugers, but a lot to say about head space. Attached Thumbnails