Gunsmith inspection needed before shooting?

Parrothead · 03-25-2008, 04:21 AM

So I was down at Big5 contemplating a future Mosin Nagant purchase when the sale Steyr M95 caught my eye. OK, the $10 off coupon helped the decision and I only payed $69.95 for a very nice looking rifle (pics will come later).

I've found ammo on clips for it and will be sending payment tomorrow.

My biggest concern (especially being new to milsurps) is whether or not I really need to take it to a gunsmith for inspection (headspace etc.) before I take it out and shoot it? It's from Century and it came with a tag that says this is a good idea. But then again, so did my AK-47 from them.

My friend just cleaned his Mosin M44 and took it shooting, but for some reason I'm still on the fence. Of course, with the obscurity of this rifle and ammunition, I also wonder if the gunsmith would even have the headspace gauges to do it?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

wunhunglo · 03-25-2008, 04:27 AM

From what I understand, it is probably a good idea.

You guys seem to have a lot of different rules from us across the Pond. In Europe & UK it is an offense for a Dealer to sell an "out of Proof"" firearm (ie. excessive headspace, bulged/damaged barrel etc.) or one which is "not fit for purpose" or been inaccurately described ""Sale of goods act".

Big Dog · 03-25-2008, 05:00 AM

Yep, here it's definitely "Buyer, beware!"
I've never gotten one inspected before shooting, but if it makes you feel better, go for it! It is cheap insurance.

nathangdad · 03-25-2008, 06:43 AM

If that little voice inside is telling you to do something then do it.
Often we get advice we should not ignore. I know I will never
again doubt that little voice inside but choose not to post
the details.

billy · 03-25-2008, 06:54 AM

i tie em to a tree and use a string .

SwedeSteve · 03-25-2008, 08:06 AM

My Dad did what Billy does to a few suspect rifles over the years. But if you can't get to the boonies, a safety inspection by a competent gunsmith (read NOT your buddy!) is in order.

wunhunglo · 03-25-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy

i tie em to a tree and use a string .

Last time I did that was when testing if a 7.62 x 51 will fire OK in a 30-06, using an old Mauser 98 barrelled action.
It does!!! but sure gives you a funny shaped case!!

ArkansasHunter · 03-25-2008, 10:37 AM

I've got a 1909 Mauser I replaced the bolt almost 10 years ago and I sure would like to find out if it's got head space issues.
I suppose I'll do the billy test and tis it to a tree.
After doing this what do you look for ?
A.H

lefty o · 03-25-2008, 10:40 AM

unless the headspace is massively out of spec, your likely not going to see anything. difference between a go , and no-go guage is .003".

ArkansasHunter · 03-25-2008, 10:53 AM

What will the empty case look like if something is out of spec after fireing ?

lefty o · 03-25-2008, 11:07 AM

it would have to be grossly out of headspace for you to visually see anything.

BaserRonin · 03-25-2008, 11:30 AM

Yeah, just make sure you cover your eyes on that first round. I have never seen one go boom...but all it takes is one. They are generally going to be plenty safe unless there is something obviously wrong with it.
Also, I never ignore that little voice in my head telling me to take caution on something. Whether it's to slow down around this curve, double check the powder scale, or whatever. Thats your future self cussing loud enough for you to hear it...

The Morale of that rambling post: Inspection is probably not necessary. But peace of mind is hard to buy anywhere else for $10 bucks.

squirrelbaster · 03-25-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaserRonin

Also, I never ignore that little voice in my head telling me to take caution on something. Thats your future self cussing loud enough for you to hear it..

that makes a GREAT saying!!! i might use that!

BaserRonin · 03-25-2008, 12:44 PM

Thanks SB!

Had to come up with a gem eventually I suppose. I sometimes add "In Handcuffs" to it depending on the situation...

Parrothead · 03-25-2008, 07:09 PM

Thanks for all the replies!

Yeah, I have that little voice, but there's also that other one that keeps telling me it'll be just fine and I'm being overly cautious. I would try tying it to a tree, but this is Nevada and out where we go it's pretty desolate. I'm working on finding a good gunsmith (trying to get ahold of the gunsmith at Bass Pro Shops today) to find out if they can do it for this model rifle and how much it would be. I've got Friday off, so that'll come in handy.

About that little voice being the future me - I can't tell you the number of times I wish I'd have listened, nor the number of times I'm thankful I did!!!

If I can't find anyone to do it, I'll probably just cover my eyes with my forearm and pray...

Thanks again guys!

Zephri · 03-25-2008, 07:40 PM

Just so ya know your shoulder will enjoy that rifle! by enjoy I mean Very bruised. A shoulder pad is a very good idea.

btw, I'm sure the rifle will be fine, I bought my from a militara show and never checked headspace (not that I get it checked on any of my rifles anyways). Have fun shooting it, and collecting clips wishing you had ammo for.

toolman · 03-25-2008, 08:05 PM

I don't worry about it too much unless it's a gun that I know has had heavy handloads fired through it.

squirrelbaster · 03-25-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolman

I don't worry about it too much unless it's a gun that I know has had heavy handloads fired through it.

its what i DONT know that scares me!!

toolman · 03-25-2008, 10:42 PM

Well, we all know what kind of conditions most of these guns have been through, but then again, they were designed for it. I've been studying and collecting mil-surps for quite a few years and the only kabooms I've ever seen were ammo related. I just see it as an odds game, ie: what are my odds of dying from a stray bullet, what are the odds of my plane going down, etc...I've got better things to do than worry about that kind of stuff. BTW, I've watched very competent 'smiths inspect these guns and it's not as "in depth" as it would seem. I've never seen one Magnaflux or X-ray an action, and most don't stock headspace guages for obsolete mil-surp calibers. Not arguin', just sayin...

Mooseman684 · 03-25-2008, 11:45 PM

Mosins are the easiest to headspace since it does it on the Cartridge rim...
Most Swiss rifles were checked and stored in arsenals...so headspacing is usually right on the money...Firing one cartridge and inspecting it will tell a lot!
Rich

03-25-2008, 04:21 AM	#1
Parrothead Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 136	Gunsmith inspection needed before shooting? So I was down at Big5 contemplating a future Mosin Nagant purchase when the sale Steyr M95 caught my eye. OK, the $10 off coupon helped the decision and I only payed $69.95 for a very nice looking rifle (pics will come later). I've found ammo on clips for it and will be sending payment tomorrow. My biggest concern (especially being new to milsurps) is whether or not I really need to take it to a gunsmith for inspection (headspace etc.) before I take it out and shoot it? It's from Century and it came with a tag that says this is a good idea. But then again, so did my AK-47 from them. My friend just cleaned his Mosin M44 and took it shooting, but for some reason I'm still on the fence. Of course, with the obscurity of this rifle and ammunition, I also wonder if the gunsmith would even have the headspace gauges to do it? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

03-25-2008, 05:00 AM	#3
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,201	Yep, here it's definitely "Buyer, beware!" I've never gotten one inspected before shooting, but if it makes you feel better, go for it! It is cheap insurance. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

03-25-2008, 06:43 AM	#4
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,432	That little voice inside . . . . If that little voice inside is telling you to do something then do it. Often we get advice we should not ignore. I know I will never again doubt that little voice inside but choose not to post the details.

03-25-2008, 06:54 AM	#5
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 11,921 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 145	i tie em to a tree and use a string . __________________ internet yards and real yards are completely different units of measure.

03-25-2008, 08:06 AM	#6
SwedeSteve Bullet Maintenance !! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The anchor point, Alaska Posts: 10,251 Images: 1	My Dad did what Billy does to a few suspect rifles over the years. But if you can't get to the boonies, a safety inspection by a competent gunsmith (read NOT your buddy!) is in order. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

03-25-2008, 04:27 AM	#2
wunhunglo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: currently "Sunny West Africa" Posts: 1,648	From what I understand, it is probably a good idea. You guys seem to have a lot of different rules from us across the Pond. In Europe & UK it is an offense for a Dealer to sell an "out of Proof"" firearm (ie. excessive headspace, bulged/damaged barrel etc.) or one which is "not fit for purpose" or been inaccurately described ""Sale of goods act".

03-25-2008, 10:37 AM	#8
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,675	I've got a 1909 Mauser I replaced the bolt almost 10 years ago and I sure would like to find out if it's got head space issues. I suppose I'll do the billy test and tis it to a tree. After doing this what do you look for ? A.H

03-25-2008, 10:40 AM	#9
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,783	unless the headspace is massively out of spec, your likely not going to see anything. difference between a go , and no-go guage is .003".

03-25-2008, 10:53 AM	#10
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,675	What will the empty case look like if something is out of spec after fireing ?

03-25-2008, 11:07 AM	#11
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,783	it would have to be grossly out of headspace for you to visually see anything.

03-25-2008, 11:30 AM	#12
BaserRonin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a Dark Cubicle Posts: 371	Yeah, just make sure you cover your eyes on that first round. I have never seen one go boom...but all it takes is one. They are generally going to be plenty safe unless there is something obviously wrong with it. Also, I never ignore that little voice in my head telling me to take caution on something. Whether it's to slow down around this curve, double check the powder scale, or whatever. Thats your future self cussing loud enough for you to hear it... The Morale of that rambling post: Inspection is probably not necessary. But peace of mind is hard to buy anywhere else for $10 bucks. __________________ "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions in favour of vegetarianism" ~ R. W. Inge Last edited by BaserRonin; 03-25-2008 at 11:32 AM.

03-25-2008, 12:44 PM	#14
BaserRonin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a Dark Cubicle Posts: 371	Thanks SB! Had to come up with a gem eventually I suppose. I sometimes add "In Handcuffs" to it depending on the situation... __________________ "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions in favour of vegetarianism" ~ R. W. Inge

03-25-2008, 07:09 PM	#15
Parrothead Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 136	Thanks for all the replies! Yeah, I have that little voice, but there's also that other one that keeps telling me it'll be just fine and I'm being overly cautious. I would try tying it to a tree, but this is Nevada and out where we go it's pretty desolate. I'm working on finding a good gunsmith (trying to get ahold of the gunsmith at Bass Pro Shops today) to find out if they can do it for this model rifle and how much it would be. I've got Friday off, so that'll come in handy. About that little voice being the future me - I can't tell you the number of times I wish I'd have listened, nor the number of times I'm thankful I did!!! If I can't find anyone to do it, I'll probably just cover my eyes with my forearm and pray... Thanks again guys!

03-25-2008, 07:40 PM	#16
Zephri Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN. "The city where nothing happens." Posts: 1,083 Blog Entries: 6	Just so ya know your shoulder will enjoy that rifle! by enjoy I mean Very bruised. A shoulder pad is a very good idea. btw, I'm sure the rifle will be fine, I bought my from a militara show and never checked headspace (not that I get it checked on any of my rifles anyways). Have fun shooting it, and collecting clips wishing you had ammo for. __________________ "All rifles need a sharp pointy object on the end!" http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l195/zephri/

03-25-2008, 08:05 PM	#17
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,562 Blog Entries: 22	I don't worry about it too much unless it's a gun that I know has had heavy handloads fired through it. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

03-25-2008, 10:42 PM	#19
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,562 Blog Entries: 22	Well, we all know what kind of conditions most of these guns have been through, but then again, they were designed for it. I've been studying and collecting mil-surps for quite a few years and the only kabooms I've ever seen were ammo related. I just see it as an odds game, ie: what are my odds of dying from a stray bullet, what are the odds of my plane going down, etc...I've got better things to do than worry about that kind of stuff. BTW, I've watched very competent 'smiths inspect these guns and it's not as "in depth" as it would seem. I've never seen one Magnaflux or X-ray an action, and most don't stock headspace guages for obsolete mil-surp calibers. Not arguin', just sayin... __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

03-25-2008, 11:45 PM	#20
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,632 Images: 2	Mosins are the easiest to headspace since it does it on the Cartridge rim... Most Swiss rifles were checked and stored in arsenals...so headspacing is usually right on the money...Firing one cartridge and inspecting it will tell a lot! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!