Gunsmithing Tools for Complete AR Rifle Builds?

[GriffSniper]

Hi Guys,

I'm building my first handful of ar 15s and ar 308s from the ground up. I'm looking for all of the required specialty tools to complete my builds (I have plenty of standard mechanics tools like punches etc. on hand) and I don't mind investing money into good tools. I plan on buying a set of Geissele reaction rods in both 308 and 5.56 but I'm curious what other tools are recommended. In my research, I've found that reaction rods are not a one stop shop for full assembly so I wanted to hear what other tools are needed for flash hider install, buffer tube install etc. Is the Geissele reaction block worth investing in? What about magazine vise blocks? Upper receiver vise blocks? What brands are the best and worth investing in for heavy use?

My preference is to buy once and cry once to get the best quality tools. I will be building a good number of rifles in the future so any tool recommendations and when during the build they should be used is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[MCHOG]

If you've got basic tools already, I think these are the primary additions you'd want.

Basic Armorer's Wrench | Wheeler

Basic Armorer's Wrench

www.wheelertools.com

Delta Series® AR-15 Upper Vise Block Clamp | Wheeler

Delta Series® AR-15 Upper Vise Block Clamp

www.wheelertools.com

 

[MCHOG]

Forgot to include one of these. Not essential, but makes things convenient.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-custom-series-ar-15-lower-receiver-vice-block-778132.html

 

[loveha]

If you have the reaction rods, then you just need the following.

AR-15/M16 ARMORER'S WRENCH | Brownells

The Magpul Armorer's Wrench – AR15/M4 is an American-made, extremely durable, solid steel tool that's comfortable to grip. Engages both stock and pin-style barrel nuts. Fits standard sized flash hiders. Installs and removes rifle receiver extensio...

www.brownells.com

I had to wittle the AR10 version to fit my Sig 716.

AR-15 VISE BLOCKS | Brownells

The Sinclair Vise Block is the perfect tool for securely holding your AR-15 in a bench vise. The Vise Block inserts into your magazine well just like a magazine and the bottom half of the block can be clamped into a vise. You can tilt the block in...

www.brownells.com

Those are the only other tools I have along with my reaction rods and I have never felt I needed anything else. The muzzle device part of the armorers wrench didn't let me attach my dead air devices, or remove standard bird cages. I took an old wrench and milled it flatter. I may decide to mill my wrench later on.

 

[GriffSniper]

Thank you for the feedback. I did order the magpul armorers wrench. Can you use the reaction rods to install and uninstall muzzle devices? I see mixed feedback on this with some saying it is fine and others saying you need a barrel vise clamp. Which is correct as i don't want the potential for damage? I have leather soft jaw inserts for my vice could use as well I guess.

Is a geissele reaction block better than standard magwell vise blocks? I don't mind paying extra for the tool but I would prefer there be value for the price difference.

 

[BlazinPond]

I've been learning myself and would rather buy a bunch of quality tools and learn how to properly do this myself.

So far i've added:

• Spikes Barrel wrench
• Vortex Torque Wrench
• Real Avid Armorers Master Kit
• And various headspace gauages for 556/223/300AAC/6.5 Creedmoor/308 Winchester
• Specific Otis cleaning kits for each specific type

 

[Halfnutz]

Reaction rods or similar are great for installing barrels as well as muzzle devices. An inch pound torque wrench is in valuable. A vise block to hold an upper is nice for cleaning as well as a bore guide. The real avid block is acceptable for removing the ejector as well as other pin installation like front sight and a couple other upper assembly tasks.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

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Several years ago I printed the Brownells M16 armorers kit inventory. I bought the specialty tools from Brownells and the rest are local. Anywhere from Craftsman to Harbor Freight, a lot I already had.

 

[2010Ruger]

You stated you have punches but do you have roll pin punches? Regular punches will get it done but I have found that a good set of actual roll pin punches save a lot of time and cussing. Especially the starter punches. Also a magpul BEV block is nice to have for the vice as it can hold an upper or lower during assembly. Also the delrin/brass hammer is nice so you don’t ding up the finish on all of the shiny new parts. Really doesn’t take a lot of tools to build these things, my advice would be to build one and see what you think you need and what you really don’t.