Maximum Headspace - 44-40 Model 92

model-92-chris · Post by **model-92-chris** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:37 pm

What is the maximum headspace for a 44-40 Model 92?

If headspace is a bit too much on the 92, what would a gunsmith do to tighten it up?

Thanks,

Chris

1886 · Post by **1886** » Fri May 30, 2008 7:45 pm

Welcome. New gun, old gun? How much? How are you measuring? 1886.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:06 pm

A general rule is headspace should not exceed .005 but that is for high pressure calibers. I know of one source that says it should be .007 or less for 44-40. Normally headspace is checked with headspace gauges. These are chamber inserts that only tell you if it's a "GO" or NO GO". No actual measurements.

These will work for the marlin but other guns like win. 92's and 94's require removing the ejector as well.
A quick ballpark way to check headspace is to first either remove the extractor or grind the rim off an empty brass just enough so the extractor won't reach it. (44-40 brass should have a rim thickness of .065) The idea here is to prevent the extractor from giving you a false reading when measuring. Next, use one or two layers of masking tape over the case head, insert and close the bolt. You should feel resistance just as it comes to battery. most tape is about .010. If you don't feel some resistance take that gun to a smith that has gauges.

A little better way is to use depimed brass and re-seat a spent primer about half way seated. Measure the overall length of this case then across the protruding primer then chamber and close the bolt pressing the primer on in. Re-measure the case and subtract that from the first measurement. Still not the best but it will definitely show serious excessive headspace from an overload.

Generally, to repair excessive headspace the barrel is remover and the shoulder is set back not quite one thread, then the barrel face is turned and the chamber lenthened to bring headspace back to spec. (for rimmed carts.) But historically when leverguns go out of spec it is because the bolt and locking lugs are setback and just as likely the frames lug ways are out, too. Changing bolts and lug can sometime correct this.