JDW, I was one of those who appreciated the "Gaddy Spring" modification to the Manson gauge which insured barrel contact when using the gauge in a vertical position. Of all people, Jon Hosford showed me how to use the Manson gauge in a simpler and more accurate way, without a need for the spring or a way to hang the gauge vertically. Here it is, no fuss, no muss. Either put the barrels in a vise horizontally or have someone hold them hard to a table horizontally if you are at a show with no vise. Leave enough barrel free from the end of the table to use the full length of the gauge. Holding the gauge horizontally by the ball and suspending the other end by a rope, find zero. Yes, find zero. I'm sure everyone who owns a Manson gauge has a rope at the end opposite the gauge and ball. Hold the rope with one hand, insert the ball into the barrel and slide the ball down the barrel and observe the dial. Be sure the rod does not touch the sides of the barrel. Each barrel has three measuring surfaces, top, bottom, and side. With a cooperative assistant, you can measure all six sides at a gun show in just a few minutes if you have to. You will also have six measurements from the other end. Believe me, this method beats the hanging method by a mile. Thank Jon Hosford for this information.
