In the depths of the discussion board here I ran across a post where someone suggested an alternative (cost) product to the Geissele reaction rod and for the life of me I can't find my way back to the post. Sound familiar? Brownells has a barrel extension rod but no flat on the other end.
Gunsmithing Reaction rod
- Thread starter valsport
- Start date
KZ Barrel Spline Socket STEEL Rod AR15/M4 Upper Receivers
reaction rod,Armors M4 Barrel Spline Socket Rod, Geissele Reaction Rod, Reaction Rod
botach.com
I think Griffin has one. For me, my money is on the Geissele / Surefire. I have heard too many stories about bad rods. I am sure if Griffin makes one, it is fine, but have not tried it.
(wondering out loud) if we should get into the rental business. They Surefire rods are expensive, and most people need it once a year. We carry pretty much every caliber. A lot of rods.
(wondering out loud) if we should get into the rental business. They Surefire rods are expensive, and most people need it once a year. We carry pretty much every caliber. A lot of rods.
Using it infrequently is why I got the Botach when it was $49. Used it on 4 or 5 rifles so far changing barrels and handgurds, brakes, doing work on rifles and it works like a champ.
I bet this is the one from the string you can’t find
midwestindustriesinc.com
Upper Receiver Rod
Midwest Industries, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturer of quality tactical rifle accessories for the AR15/M16, AK47/74, Ruger SR-22, Ruger 10/22 and many others.
midwestindustriesinc.com
Brownells unit has a half inch square "hole" in the base. So you can insert a torque wrench there. Or rubber cement in a short length of 1/2'' square tubing to then attach the rod into bench vise jaws. Not optimal, but it does work....
I use a Midwest Ind URR quite a bit and have never had an issue.
That includes several KAC muzzle device removals.
That includes several KAC muzzle device removals.
I use the brownells rod because of the 1/2” inset.
I also ground flats on the end like the geissele rod.
I also ground flats on the end like the geissele rod.
Alright scored a second hand reaction rod for barrel devices. Doesn't have the top fin, so what's everyone's favorite upper receiver block for doing barrel nuts and receiver extensions?
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...16-upper-receiver-action-block-prod22385.aspx think I'm going with this one and I've got the lower block for castle nuts.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...16-upper-receiver-action-block-prod22385.aspx think I'm going with this one and I've got the lower block for castle nuts.
Last edited:
I've been using the Brownell's rods for years, for receiver assembly, muzzle device work, and installing barrel extensions on my own barrels. They sell both AR15 and AR308 sizes, both are useful. It does everything without complaint. Don't bother with receiver blocks, don't need them and they're less than ideal. You want the long rods from Brownells, not the little short stubby versions.
There's no need at all for a top fin either. Completely unnecessary.
It does help to mount a breaker bar or ratchet in your vise, and set the reaction rod on top of that. You don't need any receiver vise blocks that way, and it's a better method (no stress on the receiver).
I made a vise-mount "breaker bar" for this purpose, just a broken 1/2" drive extension tip welded into a piece of 1/2" steel.
Set the reaction rod on top. Yours won't come with that giant nut; I added that and trued on the lathe to use as a receiver truing/lapping fixture.
Similar threads
