I always check with the extractor removed. On any gun. And on certain guns, like a break action, yes you can and probably should measure with the field gauge to see how much is sticking out of the chamber.dellet wrote: Actually, the proper way to check a break action with a No-go style gauge is not at all, or with the extractor removed and measure the amount of gauge sticking up or down out of the chamber.
If you drop the hardened steel gauge into a tight or in-spec chamber and snap it shut, you will either ruin the gauge or the chamber.
But just because it closed on a no go gauge doesn't necessarily mean the chamber is bad.
Just that the chamber is worn, or cut long.
And with my prior experience with NEF and H&R, they are typically cut long.
Also OP, if you're really worried about it, buy some cerrosafe and make a cast of the chamber so you'll know exactly what you are dealing with.
Those are my humble suggestions.