DT, you should try for about .905 from the chamber shoulder to the breech face. That is not necessarly the same as from the hood, in fact it is pretty much guaranteed not to be unless the barrel is fitted very tight in that area. Here's what I'd suggest to know exactly (well, pretty close in lieu of a gage or exact measurement)what you have. First, make a little tool for making sure you can measure to the chamber shoulder and not to the crud that may be built up on it. Take an empty case and file some serrations into the mouth of it, and then hack saw a slot in the case head, so you can stick it in the chamber, and press it to the bottom of the chamber while turning. If you've done the serrations right (like a little hole saw), you'll get down to clean bare steel in short order. Now take a case and measure its over all length. Add some layers of Scotch tape to the back until the thing measures say .900, and trim them with your pocket knife so they don't hang out over the edges of the case head. Pull your extractor out and with the pistol otherwise completely assembled but minus the recoil spring, chamber the round by just dropping it in the barrel, and close the slide by hand. Repeat this with additional layers of tape until you feel some resistance to closing, and that's about what your headspace is. Nominal case length is .898 but I don't think I have EVER seen one that long. If you are indeed at a true .892 you are too short, though. I believe you can easily get away with even .895, but .900 minimum would be better.
[This message has been edited by Ned Christiansen (edited 10-16-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Ned Christiansen (edited 10-16-2001).]
