New to the 6.8, need help.....

[mrblueagian]

In shot I just ordered all the parts I need to build my first 6.8 SPC II upper. In short I got the a new PSA HF 16" 6.8 SPC II barrel and a new LMT 6.8 BCG. Ive been hearing that checking headspace is needed by some and otheres say just drop the BCG in and run it.... What does the 68Forum people say?

[WASSMAN]

It is a roll of the dice. Too short and rounds will not chamber (click and no bang). Too long and your looking at another mess of problems (big bada boom).

Odds are your headspace will be ok. But if you want peace of mind then have your local gunsmith check it. Or order the gauges yourself and check it. They run for about $60, one go gauge and one no-go gauge.

My first build I didn't check it and just handloaded a light round and checked the fireformed case. But now I am looking to build more rifles not just for me, so I bought the gauges.

Good luck and be safe

[mrblueagian]

Thanks... Maybe I shouldve just bought one already assembled...

[averagejoe616]

99.9% Of the time there will be no issue with a new bolt and new barrel. Its that one .1% that some of us worry about. Youll almost certainly be just fine, but you could have a less than ideal experience if you happen to get that rare bolt barrel combination that results in excessive headspace. You ultimately are the only one who can decide if its worth it to you.

Edit: didnt mean to be redundant. Wasman posted as i was typing

[WASSMAN]

Thanks... Maybe I shouldve just bought one already assembled...

Checking the headspace is really to see if a old barrel is worn out of spec or if a new barrel was machined improperly. Like I said the odds are in you favor. I have never heard of a guy who assembled his rifle without checking the headspace and died when he test fired it. Not to say it couldn't happen I just never heard of such a thing.

If your that concerned with it. When you get it ready to test fire just tie a string to the trigger and get behind a car engine block and pull away. I bet you the rifle will be fine and the headspace will be right where it needs to be.

[mrblueagian]

I have built a ton of 5.56 AR rifles with a new barrel and new bcg and I never checked the headspace. I just made sure i always bought good quality spec parts from good companies. This one has a PSA 6.8 SPC II CHF Barrel 1/11. and I have a new BCG from LMT comming. I figured I would be good as both are good reputable companies. Ill just assemble and run it.