Decided to quit shipping out my uppers for new barrels and do it myself. Looking for a good upper vise block recommendation. Found a good review for the Bushmaster over on AR15 dot com. But I noticed there are several others, some may simply be the same just rebranded. Progun, Wheeler and others. Any recommendations or "stay away from" ??? Thanks
ar15 upper action block recommendations
- Thread starter Frank
- Start date
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
I have used multiple variations on AR-15 upper and lower vice blocks. While the BM Action Clamp isn't a bad product and is nice if you are working on both A2 and A4 uppers, my personal preference is for the Armalite version seen here (as I don't work on carry handle uppers 99.9% of the time) as it will work on both AR-15 and AR-10/Variant flattop uppers, as well as most billet uppers I have worked on which may not work with the clamshell blocks because of differences in styling/shape/angles/etc. in comparison to mil-spec uppers:
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?it...05-37886dae666c
This model is also nice, but specific to the AR-15 ONLY and cannot be used with the AR-10/variants:
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?it...05-37886dae666c
Whatever you do, stick with the top/bottom vice blocks or the clamshell versions as I have personally seen lowers get torqued/bent from using the blocks that mount up using the takedown pins. The flaw with that design is that it allows a considerable amount of torque to be applied on a small area that wasn't really designed for that purpose.
I have used multiple variations on AR-15 upper and lower vice blocks. While the BM Action Clamp isn't a bad product and is nice if you are working on both A2 and A4 uppers, my personal preference is for the Armalite version seen here (as I don't work on carry handle uppers 99.9% of the time) as it will work on both AR-15 and AR-10/Variant flattop uppers, as well as most billet uppers I have worked on which may not work with the clamshell blocks because of differences in styling/shape/angles/etc. in comparison to mil-spec uppers:
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?it...05-37886dae666c
This model is also nice, but specific to the AR-15 ONLY and cannot be used with the AR-10/variants:
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?it...05-37886dae666c
Whatever you do, stick with the top/bottom vice blocks or the clamshell versions as I have personally seen lowers get torqued/bent from using the blocks that mount up using the takedown pins. The flaw with that design is that it allows a considerable amount of torque to be applied on a small area that wasn't really designed for that purpose.
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
ORD; I took your link and looked at the Armalite blocks. It says not to tighten the blocks too tight in the vise?
Seaaggie; not sure what a "spec" upper is, military spec maybe? Mostly standard flat tops for space guns, with an occasional GI handle type thrown in.
Anyone use the 'Promag' or 'Wheelers' I found on the Midway website? Or the one by 'Model 1'
ORD; I took your link and looked at the Armalite blocks. It says not to tighten the blocks too tight in the vise?
Seaaggie; not sure what a "spec" upper is, military spec maybe? Mostly standard flat tops for space guns, with an occasional GI handle type thrown in.
Anyone use the 'Promag' or 'Wheelers' I found on the Midway website? Or the one by 'Model 1'
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
2nd on the Brownells clam shell outfit. Comes with an "filler" for the upper, helps keep everything nice and slop free.
2nd on the Brownells clam shell outfit. Comes with an "filler" for the upper, helps keep everything nice and slop free.
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Frank</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ORD; I took your link and looked at the Armalite blocks. It says not to tighten the blocks too tight in the vise?
</div></div>
I wouldn't take that as a knock against the blocks or as a question of their quality, but as a warning to people who "bubba" the hell out of projects by using entirely too much force to accomplish a job. You put a piece of aluminum in a vice (regardless of the blocks used) and exert an undue amount of force when tightening the vice jaws down...BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN. No surprises there. I would say that's a legitimate and reasonable "warning" for any AR-15 vice block regardless of the design/manufacturer.
As for Model 1, ProMag, Wheeler, etc., I generally consider those brands to rate toward the bottom of the pile in terms of quality, durability, etc., but I've not personally used them so I'll refrain from comment otherwise.
I have used the Brownells receiver block mentioned by others and it is also a quality product. The included upper receiver insert is a nice touch, although not entirely necessary if you use your carrier/key (minus the bolt) in place of the insert.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Frank</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ORD; I took your link and looked at the Armalite blocks. It says not to tighten the blocks too tight in the vise?
</div></div>
I wouldn't take that as a knock against the blocks or as a question of their quality, but as a warning to people who "bubba" the hell out of projects by using entirely too much force to accomplish a job. You put a piece of aluminum in a vice (regardless of the blocks used) and exert an undue amount of force when tightening the vice jaws down...BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN. No surprises there. I would say that's a legitimate and reasonable "warning" for any AR-15 vice block regardless of the design/manufacturer.
As for Model 1, ProMag, Wheeler, etc., I generally consider those brands to rate toward the bottom of the pile in terms of quality, durability, etc., but I've not personally used them so I'll refrain from comment otherwise.
I have used the Brownells receiver block mentioned by others and it is also a quality product. The included upper receiver insert is a nice touch, although not entirely necessary if you use your carrier/key (minus the bolt) in place of the insert.
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
If you use the clamshell style, always use the filler block. I perfer this one and use it on all my builds:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/730930/dpms-upper-receiver-action-block-ar-15-delrin
If you use the clamshell style, always use the filler block. I perfer this one and use it on all my builds:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/730930/dpms-upper-receiver-action-block-ar-15-delrin
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
I like to use the DPMS Panther claws for assembling uppers....no need to have different clamshells for flattop or carry handle receivers....
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=510
-Jason
I like to use the DPMS Panther claws for assembling uppers....no need to have different clamshells for flattop or carry handle receivers....
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=510
-Jason
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
The clam shell type works great on standard forged A2-A3 type receivers. If you are going to build a billet upper or an upper that has more bulk to it the clam shells will not work.
I recently built up an upper with a LAR Grizzly side charger and had to get a Panther Claw.
The clam shell type works great on standard forged A2-A3 type receivers. If you are going to build a billet upper or an upper that has more bulk to it the clam shells will not work.
I recently built up an upper with a LAR Grizzly side charger and had to get a Panther Claw.
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
all models work as they should and the advantage of one over the other is only academic, I have build over 300 AR over the last 6 years ( working for an FFL 07) and we had both types and it didn't make any difference in the resulting upper.
hope this helps.
all models work as they should and the advantage of one over the other is only academic, I have build over 300 AR over the last 6 years ( working for an FFL 07) and we had both types and it didn't make any difference in the resulting upper.
hope this helps.
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: seaaggie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you are working on spec uppers, the brownells block works pretty good </div></div>
I will edit the above to "works very well". The Brownell's block with insert is what we use in armorer's course. BTW, the insert is an important part of the sytem. They teach several courses anually, and use them multiple times per class. They have not replaced any blocks, and have not destroyed any upper receivers.
The "take-down pin" blocks are NOT for barrel work, but to hold the receiver for optic, sight, and other tasks not requiring any torsional work.
Kevin
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: seaaggie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you are working on spec uppers, the brownells block works pretty good </div></div>
I will edit the above to "works very well". The Brownell's block with insert is what we use in armorer's course. BTW, the insert is an important part of the sytem. They teach several courses anually, and use them multiple times per class. They have not replaced any blocks, and have not destroyed any upper receivers.
The "take-down pin" blocks are NOT for barrel work, but to hold the receiver for optic, sight, and other tasks not requiring any torsional work.
Kevin
Re: ar15 upper action block recommendations
I have used the DPMS and never had any ill effects. If you follow the torque specs, you shouldn't be exerting enough pressure to damage anything. I don't even use a vise, I just use c clamps to secure it to my workbench. The people who are breaking shit don't know how to use a torque wrench (or aren't using one at all).
I have used the DPMS and never had any ill effects. If you follow the torque specs, you shouldn't be exerting enough pressure to damage anything. I don't even use a vise, I just use c clamps to secure it to my workbench. The people who are breaking shit don't know how to use a torque wrench (or aren't using one at all).
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