How to Headspace an AR: A Comprehensive Guide
Headspacing an AR-15 is a crucial step in ensuring that your firearm is both safe and accurate. This process involves adjusting the distance between the bolt face and the chamber to the correct specifications. By following these detailed steps, you can achieve the perfect headspace for your AR-15.
Understanding Headspace
Headspace is the distance between the bolt face and the rifling in the barrel. It’s important to maintain the correct headspace to prevent chambering issues and ensure that the cartridge case is properly supported during firing.
There are three types of headspace measurements:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum Headspace | The smallest allowable distance between the bolt face and the rifling. |
| Maximum Headspace | The largest allowable distance between the bolt face and the rifling. |
| Standard Headspace | The ideal distance between the bolt face and the rifling for optimal performance. |
For most AR-15s, the standard headspace is 1.635 inches (41.6 mm). However, it’s essential to consult your firearm’s manual or a professional for the specific headspace requirements of your particular rifle.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- AR-15 headspace gauge
- Caliper
- Chamber brush
- Chamber reamer
- Locking block
- Chamber reamer cutting oil
- Chamber reamer honing oil
- Chamber reamer honing tool
- Chamber reamer honing compound
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applicator pad brush
- Chamber reamer honing compound applic
