"You mean letting the bolt slam from 3/4 back while adjusting the barrel out til it closes.
Yeah OK, maybe. but I'm just used to using HS guages instead of sighting it in with my thumb. I just like lots of verification."
No it doesn't look okay

. There is no "Yeah ok,maybe" concerning this subject. GI's in the field didn't have gages and the second method in the tutorial is taken from the Manual so it's not "maybe", it's must. The first method works too, but you're trying to apply go, no-go gages to an adjustable headspace weapon that's been converted from fa to semi and only folks that understand and have a great deal of experience and confidence using those gages on this weapon should be attempting it. Go to the first thread on this forum to new gun owners
http://1919a4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=818 and see #3, but read them all. Toss the gage...you've already confirmed (and abwehr re-confirmed it) that the gage isn't working...go with that thought and, again, toss the gage. Brass emphasized "guide" and that's all they are...don't use it for final hs. Even if you did manage to get it close, as soon as you change ammo lots, mfgr or date then your hs is probably off...headspace is not a one time setting on these guns.
Also, no GI gages I ever saw for a 1919 are go, no-go and I never saw any GI manual illustrating their use...fa 50 Cal M2 yes, but not a 1919. Even on my semi M2 the gages have to be used very carefully or they give too much headspace...I no longer use them and headspace the 50 cal just like I do a 1919. Others may have different experience and knowledge.
There is no such thing as "home base" on a 1919...read the thread to new gun owners carefully because it sounds like you're trying to apply previous gun knowlege or heresay to a weapon you're not familiar with....not that I didn't do that myself

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I'm not trying to be mean, but most injuries are due to improper headspacing. If this is your first 1919 then do as most of us have had to do and toss all your previous experience aside and assume you know nothing about the weapon and start from scratch.
I know I'm getting a little intense about this subject matter, but way too many accidents are occurring and it would be helpful if all us old guys would refer any posters of questions like this back to the warning post I attached above...several knowledgable members contributed to it and all new gun owners need to study it.
Sorry for the nickels worth, but if I didn't care I wouldn't spend this much time making a post like this. Besides and always, if not satisfied I offer a double your misery or injuries back

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