JBaum wrote:The barrel itself is only 1/3 of the headspace variable. The other two are the barrel extension, and the bolt. All three need to fit together properly to get the headspace, but the barrel and barrel extension are the two that are able to be adjusted (chamber depth, and how far the barrel is screwed into the extension).
Since not every bolt someone pulls out of a pile will be within tolerances, headspace is checked with both the assembled barrel and extension, together with the bolt. Each may be off by a little, but together, they may not be outside the tolerance range (stacking tolerances). 10 or 15 thousandths can make a difference in whether the bolt rollers fully lock or not.
So, checking the headspace on the combination of your bolt and a new barrel is still required, just as it is with original barrels. The original guns came with 2 spare barrels (3 total), which were serial numbered to the gun for this reason. I still have one original barrel, serial numbered to the gun, for my MG42. The original bolts are long gone, so I still have to check headspace on each combination of the 4 bolts and 8 barrels I have.
If the manufacturer is capable of putting on the extensions and setting the headspace properly, that would be the way to go. Someone would be a fool to think that doing the extra work himself to make a bare barrel into something usable would be a good way to save $40 or $50.
If I were in need, I'd willingly spend $300 for a new barrel, properly headspaced, that's ready to be used.
Thanks for the info. I was just informed of a better option for those looking for these barrels.
Heres the thread:
http://1919a4.com/showthread.php?61930- ... -availableThe guy over at ravennaarmory.com is still making these i just emailed him heres the details:
"These are made from new condition Izzy A4 tubes, turned down to MG42 profile, cut down, chambered and hot blued. Assembled onto used barrel extensions from RTG. 250 each"
This seems like a much better option than i can put together so i will be ordering from him, he said he will have more barrels in about a month or so.
Thanks for all the help and info from everybody!