HELP needed on AR build

[traildigger]

ok folks,  I'm getting close to finishing up an AR build, and am in need of a couple tools to use.  I'm wondering if there is anyone in the Wenatchee area will to let a guy borrow/rent a set of Go/No-Go gauges for a 6.8 SPC build.  My BCG should arrive on Jan.16th, so I'd like to give my headspace a check once it arrives. 

SOOOOOOOOO, if anyone has some laying around collecting dust, I'd be happy to wipe them clean for ya!!

And just for S&G's since everyone likes to know the components being used, so far I've built on:
Mega Arms lower
DPMS standard lower parts kit
Red-X arms upper
Stag arms 6.8 BCG
Black Hole Weaponry 18" 6.8 barrel
Wilson Combat Accu-tac Flash Hider
lo-pro gas block (manufacturer escaping me right now)
Magpul MOE stock
Magpul MOE+ grip
Sampson Manufacturing 18" Evolution series hand guard

currently don't have optic or BUIS. Still debating what to put on top.  No money for $$$ optics. 

[traildigger]

  No one?      I'll pay shipping if you're outside Wenatchee.  I just have a hard time justifying $60 for a one time build/one time use. 

[Longshot_34]

They shouldn't be needed. All the parts you listed are quality. They're built to spec. Fire away.

[dscubame]

All new parts no need to check headspace.  Good parts good fit.  I just stake a couple connections.  No special tools needed at all.  I did do a bunch of research on this same headspace issue with my first build and eventually you realize it is not necessary. 

[carpsniperg2]

Head space is important to check. I have worked on a lot of guns and built a lot of guns. I have had several that had incorrect head spacing which checking with gauges found. Most on very name brand parts. It can be a very dangerous thing.

[dscubame]

Head space is important to check. I have worked on a lot of guns and built a lot of guns. I have had several that had incorrect head spacing which checking with gauges found. Most on very name brand parts. It can be a very dangerous thing.

No disrespect but your comment is why it was so confusing.  My final decision was made when one of the gunsmiths at Rainier Arms specifically told me I do not need to check headspace when I was on the phone with him buying one of many parts I did.  As a back up I checked with a local well known gunsmith in N. Spokane with serious credentials and he too said no need.  However with that said you will find some smiths equally reliable say you should check it.  And that is where it is a chevy or a ford.  And you can drive both from a to b without a problem.

[carpsniperg2]

Agree 100% you will read or hear it many different ways. I always air on the side of better safe then sorry. It is 100% fact that not all parts will always be in spec. No one can argue that as I have seen several with my own eyes.

If you don't check head space and there is a problem. Then things like case separation can happen. Which can lead to pressure spikes. Which can lead to serious damage to the shooters face. I have read of several people getting blinded by a issue that could have been avoided if the head space was correct.

Do I agree that most quality parts will be ok, YES. Is it a fact that some won't be, YES. Is my eye sight or my clients eye sight worth a set of head space gauges and a few minute's to check it? YES.

[Biggerhammer]

Screw it together and shoot it. Check a couple cases and if there's no issue, Carry on. I can't even count the AR builds I've done and been around. There hasn't been a single "Go" or "No" go gauge present. To each their own. If you feel the need by all means do so.

[mountainman]

Agree 100% you will read or hear it many different ways. I always air on the side of better safe then sorry. It is 100% fact that not all parts will always be in spec. No one can argue that as I have seen several with my own eyes.

If you don't check head space and there is a problem. Then things like case separation can happen. Which can lead to pressure spikes. Which can lead to serious damage to the shooters face. I have read of several people getting blinded by a issue that could have been avoided if the head space was correct.

Do I agree that most quality parts will be ok, YES. Is it a fact that some won't be, YES. Is my eye sight or my clients eye sight worth a set of head space gauges and a few minute's to check it? YES.

well stated Carpsniper

[Biggerhammer]

And a 747 could drop out of the sky on your azz at any given time. I could understand it, from the point of view where there's a FFL on the line and a business. You screw it up and the side play time deal is over. But for the private builder "Go" and "No" gauges are fluff.

[carpsniperg2]

While I do tend to agree with you 98% of the time. This is not one of them.

Never would I consider anything to do with safety fluff.

[Biggerhammer]

A "Safety" is a mechanical device, not to be depeded upon. So why use it?

[mountainman]

I have had to troubleshoot all too many backroom build by guys just putting parts together. The majority just gas mis match issues, with some entirely unsafe to shoot. Like Carp said. Nothing wrong with erring on the side of safety.

[carpsniperg2]

No one?      I'll pay shipping if you're outside Wenatchee.  I just have a hard time justifying $60 for a one time build/one time use.

I have never got into the 6.8 guns. If it was a 223 or 308 based round. I could help you out with gauges.

[traildigger]

All good reading here.    As far as ""needing' to use the gauges, maybe it isn't necessary, but I'd feel a whole lot better pulling the trigger the first time if I knew for certain that everything was good to go.  This is my first AR build, so I don't have any experience to fall back on like many of you.  Again, thanks for all the input in regards to "yes, you need to do this", or "no, quality components, shouldn't need to"  Anyway, I'll continue to search on for some gauges.  Maybe I'll just have to bite the bullet and buy some?

Carp, Thanks for the offer
mountainman,  check your pm's.