6.5x52

[jobu07]

I'm looking for a 6.5x52 headspace Gauge. After an afternoon on Google, i've been unable to locate one or a set of these gauges. I recently came into a M91 long rifle and wanted to check the headspace on this fine specimen before trying it at the range.

If anyone has some guidance, I would appreciate it. Thanks for your time!

 

[Jim Watson]

PT&G says they will make headspace gauges for any caliber they make reamers for, and 6.5x52 Carcano is on their reamer list.
http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/products/gaugesnbushings/gauges.htm

So you check your headspace, then what?
If it isn't right, it is a pretty big project to correct, I would think expensive relative to the total value of a Carcano.

 

[jobu07]

If it's not correct it's a wall hanger. If it is i'll shoot it and put it back in with the rest of the collection.

 

[Jim K]

I presume you mean the Italian Mannlicher-Carcano.

Well, I don't think you will find headspace gauges. You can try some tricks like sticking a piece of computer label on the base of a round and seeing if the bolt closes (OK with one piece, iffy with two, bad with 3).

But I really wouldn't sweat it. Check to make sure nothing obvious is wrong (like a replacement barrel) and just hold the gun away from your face for the first shot. Unlike some milsurps that have been reworked, the Carcano was usually left alone as not being worth making over for some other round, and the low pressure round doesn't batter the bolt lugs or seats enough to cause excess headspace from wear.

Jim

 

[jobu07]

Paraviccini - Carcano M91.

http://world.guns.ru/rifle/repeating-rifle/it/carcano-m91-e.html

I think you're right, though, that I won't find any headspace gauges. I'll probably just fire from the hip for the first few rounds while wearing my normal Z87 rated shooting glasses and inspect the brass after each pull of the trigger.

Thanks for the input guys.