AR-15 barrell gap

[Guest carter]

have a quick question... when building an upper, what do you do to make sure your barrel gap is correct, i watched a video and looked like he just lined everything up and put the nut on, is that all there is to it?

Edited February 20, 2011 by carter

[Kegger]

What you're referring to is headspacing. You can buy a set of go/no go gauges from midway if you really want to. But if you're using a high quality barrel and bolt, you shouldn't have any issues with improper headspacing.

[Guest carter]

well i have a spikes tactical lower im going to build...was going to get a stripped spikes upper just to keep everything alike, was looking at the YHM barrels...

[Kegger]

For a little extra you can drop a cold hammer forged Daniel Defense barrel in that thing and have zero fit issues.

[Guest carter]

thanks for the input...this is my first build so im sort of a newbe at this

[1gewehr]

Unlike many firearms, the headspace on an AR15 is not really affected by barrel fit. Since the barrel extension where the bolt locks up is a permanent part of the barrel, the barrel nut only serves to hold things together. That's also why the upper and lower receiver can be made of lightweight aluminum alloy. Neither one is subjected to the stresses of containing the firing pressures.

[frankmako]

What you're referring to is headspacing. You can buy a set of go/no go gauges from midway if you really want to. But if you're using a high quality barrel and bolt, you shouldn't have any issues with improper headspacing.

plus one

[Guest buttonhook]

you need to torque it to the correct specs. the closer to 40ftlbs the better you will need to align the gas tube slot. I used the YHM fluted 16" barrel and I've been very happy with it