Gunsmithing Best Brand For Headspace Gauges

[chris514scott]

Building a couple of uppers and need to get some headspace gauges. I will also end up needing some for changing barrels on my Nucleus in the future. Who makes the best gauges. I've read some bad things on the Forster gauges and good things on the Clymer. Are there other brands to look at? Thanks for the help in advance

 

[Waorani]

Also had this question. Accumulated Clymer, Forstner, PTG etc over the years but have heard good/bad on all so curious what the pros use.

 

[Terry Cross]

JGS

 

[Easy_E]

Manson

 

[MarinePMI]

They all hold tolerances. Just don't mix gauges between vendors for a particular case.

 

[natdscott]

Men prefer Forster.

(not really. Just me.)

But I will say that if I were going to buy a reamer, I'd ask that JGS send me gauges with it. Only makes sense.

-Nate

 

[Red_SC]

I use Manson or JGS, depending on who cuts the reamer for me. Give Manson a look.

 

[Alaskashooter]

+1 for JGS

 

[Missouri_AR1]

I've used Forster NATO MAX and MIN for a number of builds without a problem - they apparently have them on Amazon now too- https://www.amazon.com/5-56mm-NATO-MAX-Headspace-Gauge/dp/B01MZ55FZ0

 

[308pirate]

I bet most who report "problems" with these gauges either used them incorrectly or are blaming them for some other mistake on their part or their builder's part.

 

[Bradu]

I bet most who report "problems" with these gauges either used them incorrectly or are blaming them for some other mistake on their part or their builder's part.

There have been some that were made wrong. I seen there were issues with the 6.5 addiction gauges a while back.

 

[308pirate]

There have been some that were made wrong. I seen there were issues with the 6.5 addiction gauges a while back.

I don't doubt it. I'm sure everyone who makes them has had a turd here or there. But that's got to be a very very small number.

 

[Bradu]

I don't doubt it. I'm sure everyone who makes them has had a turd here or there. But that's got to be a very very small number.

There are also some people that shouldn't be attempting to screw on a barrel either ???

 

[308pirate]

There are also some people that shouldn't be attempting to screw on a barrel either ???

Yeah, that's what I was talking about

 

[Bully]

I have ordered 2 reamers from JGS. On the last one, I had them include a headspace gauge. I did the barrel, and when I checked my brass to the chamber I found out that the HS gauge was too short. So, I recut the chamber. I also called JGS and mentioned that there may be a mistake.
Then I found out that I was wrong again and my brass was once fired (sold to me as virgin).
So, I recut the chamber... again... to the HS gauge.
The rifle works like a charm.
I also called JGS and told them it was my mistake, apologized, and thanked them.
All that to say, JGS for the win. Both barrels I have cut with their reamers are beautiful. They will be my go to until something changes.