You generally have to headspace a 1917 differently than say an 03. As I recall the process, you have to put very little pressure on the bolt because the strong camming action will give you a false no-go reading.
I have an extra bolt body or two here if you need one, but its probably ok.
Hatcher's Notebook
To check headspace on an M1917, the firing mechanism must be removed, and then the extractor. The bolt is then pushed forward with fingertip pressure only.
0. To remove firing mechanism:
a. Get a US nickel. A dime is too small, a quarter is too big.
b. Unlatch bolt and pull part way back.
c. Put safety in SAFE position (back).
d. Push bolt forward . You will feel resistance, and then the spring collapsing. Continue to push forward until you see a "gap" open up at the back of the bolt.
e. Place the nickel in the gap. Release the pressure on the bolt handle. The bolt will go back until the nickel is held fast.
f. Remove the bolt from the rifle. Unscrew the firing mechanism at the back of the bolt, and remove it. Be careful not to pull out the nickel.
g. Take the extractor off the bolt.
h. You are now ready to check headspace.
i. After checking headspace, reverse these steps to put the bolt back together.
1. The bolt body should be pushed forward first with the chamber empty, so that you can see what the bolt handle looks like in the fully closed position.
2. Next, insert the GO gauge, push the bolt forward with fingertip pressure. The bolt should fully close.
3. Next, insert the NO-GO gauge, repeat closing the bolt with fingertip pressure. The bolt should not close completely. You should see a difference where the bolt handle stops.
4. If the bolt handle closes completely on the No-Go gauge WITH FINGERTIP PRESSURE, insert the Field gauge, and close the bolt with fingertip pressure. Again look at the position of the bolt handle. It should not be fully closed.
5. If the bolt fails the Field gauge, the rifle, per Hatcher, is probably safe to fire. However, for complete safety, try other bolts until you find one that works.
Springfield Sporter has M1917 bolt bodies for $20 (
http://www.ssporters.com/parts/1917and P14enfield.htm).
It is incredibly simple to check headspace on an M1917, once you have done it the first time. Amaze your friends, confuse your enemies.
