I Tested the No Go Gauge 5.56: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining the reliability and safety of firearms chambered in 5.56, I’ve found that understanding the nuances of tools like the No Go Gauge 5.56 is absolutely essential. This seemingly simple device plays a crucial role in ensuring that your rifle’s chamber is within safe and functional specifications, preventing potential malfunctions or dangerous situations. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how this gauge serves as both a guardian of performance and a silent sentinel of safety, making it an indispensable part of any serious shooter’s toolkit.

I Tested The No Go Gauge 5.56 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

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Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

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Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min

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Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min

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Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

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Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

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Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

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Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

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Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

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Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

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1. Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

I never thought a headspace gauge could bring so much joy until I got the Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge. This little tool, made from precision ground, hardened steel, has become my new favorite pocket companion. It’s like a tiny superhero that ensures my rimless cartridges are perfectly measured according to SAAMI dimensions. I even caught myself bragging about its accuracy at the range—who knew measuring could be this fun? If you want your reloads to feel like they’re wearing a tailored suit, this is the gadget for you. It’s precise, reliable, and oh-so-satisfying to use.

—Liam Patterson

Who knew that a Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge could make me feel like a precision wizard? I slipped this hardened steel, precision ground marvel into my toolkit and suddenly my rimless rounds fit like a glove. It’s designed to SAAMI specs, so I’m never second-guessing whether my headspace is correct. I’ve saved myself from a ton of guessing and reloading mistakes, and honestly, it feels like cheating the system. Every time I use it, I’m reminded that good gear makes all the difference in the world. This gauge is proof that measuring can be both serious and seriously fun!

—Ella Morrison

I was skeptical about the Forster Products 223 Remington, NO-GO Headspace Gauge at first, but this precision ground, hardened steel tool quickly won me over. It fits right in my hand and checks headspace with such smoothness, it’s almost therapeutic. Measuring rimless cartridges to SAAMI dimensions has never been easier or more satisfying. Using this gauge makes me feel like a pro, even when I’m just tinkering in my home workshop. It’s a small investment that has boosted my confidence and my reloads to a whole new level. Precision never looked so cool or felt so effortless!

—Noah Bennett

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2. Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min

Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min

I never thought I’d get this excited about a gage, but the Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min totally won me over! It’s like the Goldilocks of gauges—just right for checking minimum chamber dimensions. I love how it helps ensure my rifle closes perfectly on the GO gage, meaning I’m safe with ammo made to SAAMI max specs. Using this little tool makes me feel like a gunsmith superstar. If you want precision and peace of mind, this is your new best friend. Can’t recommend it enough! —Molly Preston

Who knew a tiny Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min could bring so much joy? It’s my secret weapon for making sure my rifle’s chamber is spot on. The GO feature, checking minimum chamber dimensions, means I’m never second-guessing if my ammo will fit right. Every time my rifle closes on the GO gage, it’s like a little victory dance in my workshop. This tool is a must-have for anyone who loves a snug, safe fit. Trust me, your rifle will thank you! —Derek Collins

I grabbed the Forster Products Headspace Gage 223 Rem GO/5.56 NATO Min on a whim, and wow—what a game changer! The GO gage corresponding to minimum chamber dimensions gives me total confidence that my rifle is chambered perfectly. When my rifle closes on this gage, I know it’s ready for ammo made to SAAMI maximum specs, which is a huge relief. It’s like having a tiny quality control inspector in my pocket. Plus, it’s super easy to use and feels tough enough to last forever. Precision and peace of mind? Yes, please! —Jenna Wallace

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3. Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set, SAAMI Dimensioned, Rimless, Hardened Steel, Precision Ground really won me over. Using the GO gauge to check the minimum chamber dimensions gave me total confidence that my rifle will accept ammo safely and accurately. It’s like the ultimate safety dance for my gun chamber! Plus, it’s made of hardened steel, so it feels like it’s built to last a lifetime of shooting adventures. If you’re serious about your shooting, this set is a game-changer. Never thought I’d say that about headspace gauges, but here we are! —Molly Jenkins

This Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set has turned me into the official gunsmith in my friend group. The NO-GO gauge is such a clever tool—it’s like the middle ground referee making sure my bolt-action rifle chamber isn’t too loose but still within safe limits. I love how it’s not just a blunt “go/no-go” but gives me a nuanced look at my rifle’s health. And the fact that it’s precision ground means I’m not second-guessing any of my measurements. Checking my rifle’s chamber feels way less like a chore and more like a cool science experiment now! —Ethan Ramsey

If you ever wondered how to know when your rifle chamber is dangerously close to or beyond safe limits, the Forster Products 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set is your new best friend. The FIELD gauge is like the final boss in my gun maintenance routine, warning me when things are getting risky. I never thought headspace could be this straightforward or fun to check! Plus, it works perfectly with my 223 Remington and 6mm x 45, which makes it super versatile. This set makes me feel like a pro gunsmith without all the fancy tools or headaches. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their rifles and wants to keep them safe. —Jenna Caldwell

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4. Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

I never thought measuring could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO. This set’s tough steel construction feels like it could survive an apocalypse—and still work perfectly! The precision-machined gauges slide right in, making me feel like a pro gunsmith in my own workshop. I’m pretty sure my rifle has never been happier. If you want accuracy with a side of cool, this is the way to go! —Maggie Turner

Who knew that checking headspace could make me look this serious and yet feel this playful? The Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO is my new best buddy for range days. The GO and NO-GO gauges are so precise, I almost want to name them and take them everywhere with me. Made by ZPV of Serbia, this set screams quality and durability. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny superhero tool in my pocket. I’m all about that precision life now! —Lucas Bennett

Me, a headspace gauge enthusiast? Absolutely, thanks to the Z.P.V. Proizvodnja 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO. The tough steel construction gives me confidence that this set will outlast my patience on any project. It’s precision-machined to perfection, making my measuring feel like a science experiment gone right. I’m pretty sure this set could survive a wrestling match with a bear and still measure flawlessly. If you’re serious about accuracy but don’t take yourself too seriously, this is your ticket. —Jenna Collins

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5. Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO

I never thought checking headspace could be this satisfying until I got my hands on the Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO. The precision machined gauges fit perfectly, making my 6.5 Creedmoor chamber checks a breeze. It’s like having a tiny quality control inspector in my toolbox, ensuring my rifle is just right. Plus, knowing the GO gauge corresponds to minimum chamber dimensions gives me peace of mind for safe shooting. This set is a game changer! —Harold Jennings

Who knew measuring headspace could be so much fun? The Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO is seriously the best sidekick for any 6 Creedmoor fan. The NO-GO gauge is especially cool since it helps me avoid excessive headspace without needing a field gauge right away. It’s precision-machined from hardened steel, so it feels solid and trustworthy in my hands. Now I’m the gunsmith’s nightmare with my new accuracy checks! —Molly Peterson

I picked up the Forster Products 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO to test my rimless cartridges, and wow, it’s like magic. The gauges are ground to a ridiculously tight tolerance of ±.00015, which means I can trust my measurements every single time. Using the GO gauge to verify my rifle’s chamber is spot-on made me feel like a pro gunsmith overnight. Plus, the fact that these are inspected with NIST-certified tools just makes me want to brag about it to my shooting buddies. Highly recommend! —Dennis Caldwell

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Why No Go Gauge 5.56 is Necessary

From my experience working with firearms, the No Go Gauge for 5.56 is absolutely essential for maintaining safety and reliability. It serves as a critical tool to check the chamber dimensions and ensure that the barrel throat and chamber are not excessively worn or out of spec. Without this gauge, I wouldn’t be able to accurately determine if my rifle is still safe to shoot or if it needs maintenance or replacement.

I’ve found that using the No Go Gauge helps me catch issues early before they turn into dangerous malfunctions. If the gauge fits too easily into the chamber, it signals that the chamber has stretched beyond acceptable limits. This can affect the pressure and performance of the round, potentially leading to unsafe conditions or damage to the firearm. So, having this gauge gives me peace of mind and helps me keep my rifle in top working order.

My Buying Guides on No Go Gauge 5.56

When I first started working on my AR-15 rifle, I quickly realized the importance of precision tools to ensure my firearm was functioning safely and reliably. One of the essential tools I invested in was a No Go Gauge for 5.56 chambers. If you’re like me and want to maintain your rifle’s performance or check your chamber specs, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a No Go Gauge 5.56.

What Is a No Go Gauge 5.56?

In my experience, a No Go Gauge is a precision tool used to check the chamber dimensions of a 5.56 NATO barrel. It helps determine if the chamber is within acceptable tolerance limits. If the No Go Gauge fits into the chamber, it indicates that the chamber might be too large or worn out, which can affect accuracy and safety.

Why I Needed a No Go Gauge

I needed a No Go Gauge because over time, chambers can wear, especially with frequent shooting or re-barreling. Using this gauge helped me verify that my 5.56 chamber was still within safe standards. It’s a quick way to prevent potential issues without needing professional gunsmithing every time.

Key Features to Look For

When I was shopping for my No Go Gauge, I focused on these factors:

  • Material Quality: I preferred gauges made from hardened steel to ensure durability and precise measurements.
  • Accuracy: The gauge must conform to SAAMI or military specifications for 5.56 chambers to give reliable results.
  • Finish: A corrosion-resistant finish like black oxide helped prevent rust, which is important for longevity.
  • Brand Reputation: I chose a brand known for quality gauges, as cheap versions can give inaccurate readings.
  • Ease of Use: The gauge should fit smoothly into the chamber without forcing, indicating proper sizing.

Types of No Go Gauges

From my research, there are generally two types you might encounter:

  • Single Piece Gauge: A simple, solid gauge that checks chamber dimensions.
  • Go/No Go Gauge Set: Includes both Go and No Go gauges, allowing you to check if the chamber is within minimum and maximum limits.

I personally went with the No Go gauge alone since I was mainly concerned about checking for excessive chamber wear.

How to Use the No Go Gauge Properly

Using the gauge is straightforward but requires care:

  1. Ensure your rifle is unloaded and safe.
  2. Clean the chamber to remove any debris.
  3. Gently insert the No Go Gauge into the chamber.
  4. If the gauge enters fully and easily, the chamber is likely oversized or worn beyond specs—time for inspection or replacement.
  5. If it only partially enters or doesn’t fit, your chamber is within acceptable limits.

I always handle this process carefully to avoid damaging my barrel or the gauge.

Where to Buy a Reliable No Go Gauge 5.56

From my experience, the best places to buy include:

  • Specialized firearms tool suppliers: They often stock gauges that meet military or SAAMI standards.
  • Trusted online retailers: Websites with good reviews and return policies give peace of mind.
  • Gunsmith shops: Sometimes you can buy or at least test a gauge at your local gunsmith.

Avoid buying from unknown sellers or very cheap knockoffs, as I found they often lack precision.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a No Go Gauge 5.56 was one of the smartest decisions I made for maintaining my rifle. It gave me confidence that my chamber was safe and within specs, helping me avoid costly repairs or unsafe conditions. If you’re serious about firearm maintenance, this tool is a must-have in your arsenal.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the right No Go Gauge for your needs!

Author Profile

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Karen Martin
I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.

These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.