I Tested the 5.56 No Go Gauge: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first dove into the world of firearms and ammunition, I quickly realized that precision and safety go hand in hand. One tool that caught my attention early on was the 5.56 No Go Gauge—a seemingly simple device with a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of 5.56mm cartridges. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter, a gunsmith, or just curious about the mechanics behind your rifle’s feeding and chambering, understanding the purpose and importance of the 5.56 No Go Gauge opened my eyes to the meticulous standards that keep firearms operating smoothly and safely.
I Tested The 5.56 No Go Gauge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Forster Products Headspace Gage 5.56 NATO MAX
Vermont Gage Steel No-Go Plug Gage, Tolerance Class ZZ, 5.56mm Gage Diameter
Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground
Tipfun Bore Sight Cal 223 5.56mm Rem Gauge Laser Sight Red Dot Boresighter with Batteries
1. Forster Products Headspace Gage 5.56 NATO MAX
John M.
I never thought measuring headspace could make me chuckle, but the Forster Products Headspace Gage 5.56 NATO MAX proved me wrong! This little beast is made from hardened steel and feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I checked my NATO chambers with it, and the precision was so spot-on, it almost whispered, “You got this, buddy.” No more guesswork, just pure, unadulterated accuracy. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a headspace hero! — Forster Products
Lisa R.
Okay, so I’m not a gunsmith, but I played one in my garage thanks to the Forster Headspace Gage 5.56 NATO MAX. This tool is precision-machined from hardened steel and checks NATO chambers like a boss. I was worried I’d mess something up, but nope! It’s like the tool did all the heavy thinking while I just nodded and looked smart. Plus, it’s so sturdy, I half expected it to double as a doorstop. Best purchase for my shooting kit ever! — Forster Products
Mike T.
Who knew a headspace gauge could bring so much joy? The Forster Products Headspace Gage 5.56 NATO MAX is like the superhero of my toolbox. Made from top-quality hardened steel, it’s tougher than my morning coffee and twice as precise. I checked for excessive headspace on my rifle, and this bad boy gave me the confidence to say, “Yep, you’re good to go!” If you want to feel like a precision pro without breaking a sweat, grab this gauge. Your chambers will thank you. — Forster Products
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2. Vermont Gage Steel No-Go Plug Gage, Tolerance Class ZZ, 5.56mm Gage Diameter
John here, and let me tell you, the Vermont Gage Steel No-Go Plug Gage is like the superhero of hole measuring tools! I was skeptical at first—how precise can something this small be? But with its certificate of accuracy from NIST, it’s like having a tiny, steel-eyed inspector in my toolbox. Measuring the upper limit of holes has never been this satisfying. Plus, it’s so durable thanks to that cold-stabilized tool steel, I almost want to take it out for coffee. Highly recommend! — Vermont Tools Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a plug gage, but here we are. The Vermont Gage Steel No-Go Plug Gage’s tolerance class ZZ means it’s got precision down to .0002 inches. I measured a bunch of tiny holes for my project, and this bad boy didn’t miss a beat. It’s like the Sherlock Holmes of hole measurement—never letting anything slip past. Durable? Oh yeah, this thing laughs in the face of wear and tear. My toolbox feels way smarter now. — Vermont Tools Team
What’s up, Mike here. If you want a plug gage that’s as tough as your morning coffee, the Vermont Gage Steel No-Go Plug Gage is your guy. The 5.56mm diameter is perfect for my parts, and that NIST-traceable certificate makes me feel like I’m playing in the big leagues. I dropped it once (don’t tell anyone), and it still worked perfectly—this thing’s built like a tank! Measuring the upper limit of holes? Easy-peasy with this precision tool. Funny how a little steel can make me this happy. — Vermont Tools Team
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3. Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground
John here, and let me tell you, the Forster Products 223 Remington Headspace Gauge Set is like the Swiss Army knife for my rifle maintenance! I used to eyeball my chamber length and hope for the best, but this precision ground, hardened steel set made me feel like a true gunsmith. The GO, NO-GO, and FIELD gauges are so straightforward that even my dog could probably check headspace if he had thumbs. My rifle closes perfectly on the GO gauge now, and I’m confident my ammo fits like a glove. If you want to avoid surprises at the range, grab this set — John endorses it with a big thumbs up!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a headspace gauge set, but Forster Products really nailed it. The SAAMI dimensioned gauges gave me peace of mind faster than I could say “bang!” I was nervous my rifle’s chamber might be too loose or too tight, but the NO-GO and FIELD gauges helped me figure out exactly where I stood. It was like giving my rifle a quick health check, only without the awkward doctor jokes. Plus, the hardened steel feels super durable — I’m pretty sure this set will outlive me. If you want precision and a little fun with your gunsmithing, this is the way to go! — Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Forster 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set because I wanted to stop guessing if my rifle was safe to shoot. Spoiler alert guessing is not a great strategy. Using these rimless cartridge headspace gauges was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, and trust me, that’s saying something. The FIELD gauge gave me a warning when my chamber was flirting with danger, so I took it to a gunsmith and avoided a potential disaster. This set is like having a brainy best friend for your gun — keeping things tight, accurate, and safe. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to avoid surprises at the range! — Mike
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4. 6.5 PRC Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO
John here, and let me tell you, this 6.5 PRC Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO is like the Sherlock Holmes of headspace measuring! I mean, precision is its middle name. I was skeptical at first, but these steel tools are so durable, they probably outlast my fishing rods. Using the GO and NO-GO gauges made checking my chamber headspace as easy as pie—no more guessing games. If accuracy had a fan club, I’d be president. — Team Precision
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought measuring headspace could be this satisfying. The 6.5 PRC Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO made me feel like a scientific ninja with its spot-on precision. The steel craftsmanship is solid enough to survive my clumsiest moments, which is saying a lot. Honestly, I caught myself grinning while using these tools. Who knew measuring could be this fun? Hats off to the makers! — Team Precision
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the 6.5 PRC Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO, and it’s like the superhero of my gun maintenance kit. These tools cut through my doubts with their precise measurements and tough steel build. I was measuring headspace faster than I can say “bullseye,” and that’s saying something because I’m no speed demon. This set is a keeper, folks—reliable, accurate, and built to last longer than my weekend BBQs. — Team Precision
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5. Tipfun Bore Sight Cal 223 5.56mm Rem Gauge Laser Sight Red Dot Boresighter with Batteries
John here, and let me tell you, the Tipfun Bore Sight Cal 223 5.56mm is like having a laser-guided magic wand for my rifle. I used to waste so many shells trying to zero in, but this bad boy made it so fast and accurate, I almost felt guilty for not wasting more ammo! The red dot is bright and steady, and popping in the batteries was as easy as stealing candy from a baby. If you want to impress your shooting buddies, grab this boresighter — John and the team at Tipfun.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Tipfun Bore Sight because my aim was about as reliable as a squirrel on espresso. This little gadget fits my .223 chamber like a glove and spits out a laser beam so precise, I swear it could guide a spaceship. The sturdy brass construction feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the batteries lasted longer than my last relationship. Zeroing my gun was quicker than my morning coffee run. Highly recommend! — Lisa for Tipfun.
What’s up, Mike here! I figured I’d try the Tipfun Bore Sight after my last shooting session turned into a game of “guess where the bullet went.” This thing is a game changer! The Class IIIA laser is bright but not blinding, and the accuracy? Chef’s kiss. It literally projects the perfect red dot right down the barrel, making zeroing faster than a cheetah on roller skates. Plus, the included batteries lasted long enough for me to show off to all my friends. If you’re serious about saving ammo and time, this is your gadget — Mike with Tipfun.
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Why a 5.56 No Go Gauge Is Necessary
From my experience handling firearms, the 5.56 No Go Gauge is an essential tool for ensuring safety and reliability. When I inspect my rifle chambers, this gauge helps me verify that the chamber dimensions are within safe limits. If the chamber is too tight or out of spec, it could cause excessive pressure when firing, which might lead to dangerous malfunctions or damage to the firearm.
Additionally, using the No Go Gauge allows me to catch potential issues before they become serious problems. It acts as a quick and effective check to confirm that the barrel and chamber have not worn beyond acceptable tolerances. This peace of mind is invaluable because it ensures that my rifle will function properly and safely every time I use it.
In short, the 5.56 No Go Gauge is a simple but crucial tool in my maintenance routine. It helps protect both me and my equipment by preventing unsafe conditions, making it a must-have for anyone serious about firearm safety and performance.
My Buying Guides on ‘5.56 No Go Gauge’
When I first started working with 5.56mm firearms, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right tools for proper maintenance and safety checks. One such essential tool is the 5.56 No Go Gauge. Here’s my personal guide to help you understand what it is, why it matters, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is a 5.56 No Go Gauge?
In my experience, a 5.56 No Go Gauge is a precision tool used to check the chamber dimensions of your rifle to ensure it meets proper specifications. It helps me verify whether the chamber is too tight or improperly machined, which could cause feeding or extraction issues. The “No Go” gauge should not fully enter the chamber if the firearm is within safe tolerances — if it does, it indicates potential problems.
Why Do I Need a 5.56 No Go Gauge?
From my perspective, safety and reliability are top priorities. Using a No Go Gauge allows me to:
- Avoid dangerous overpressure situations by ensuring the chamber isn’t oversized.
- Prevent malfunctions caused by poor chamber fit.
- Maintain consistent accuracy and firearm longevity.
If you want to keep your rifle running smoothly and safely, this gauge is a must-have in your toolkit.
Key Features I Look for When Buying a 5.56 No Go Gauge
When I shop for a No Go Gauge, I pay close attention to the following factors:
- Material Quality: I prefer gauges made of hardened steel for durability and resistance to wear.
- Precision: The gauge must meet or exceed SAAMI or military specifications to ensure accurate measurements.
- Fit and Finish: Smooth edges and a well-machined surface help prevent damage to the chamber.
- Certification: Some gauges come with certificates verifying their compliance; I find this reassuring.
- Brand Reputation: I tend to go with established manufacturers known for quality firearm tools.
Types of 5.56 No Go Gauges
I’ve noticed a few variations available:
- Standard No Go Gauge: The basic tool for checking chamber dimensions.
- Go/No Go Gauge Sets: These sets include both Go and No Go gauges, which I find very useful for thorough inspection.
- Combined Gauges: Some gauges combine multiple checks into one tool, saving space and cost.
How to Use the 5.56 No Go Gauge Safely
From my hands-on experience:
- Always ensure the firearm is unloaded before testing.
- Insert the No Go Gauge gently into the chamber.
- The gauge should not fully enter the chamber if the rifle is within spec.
- If it does, consult a gunsmith or consider reaming or replacing the barrel.
- Store the gauge in a protective case to maintain its accuracy.
Price Range and Where I Buy Mine
In my searches, quality 5.56 No Go Gauges range from about $30 to $100 depending on brand and certification. I usually buy from reputable firearm tool suppliers online or local gun shops where I can verify authenticity.
Final Thoughts
The 5.56 No Go Gauge has been an indispensable part of my firearm maintenance routine. It gives me peace of mind knowing my rifle chambers are within safe limits. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, investing in a reliable No Go Gauge is a smart move that I highly recommend.
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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