AR Upper/Lower Receiver Vise Block Options

[TripleDigitRide]

I planned on ordering the basic polymer lower vise block and clam shell upper block, but I wanted to see if there were better options I should be looking at. 

[Omega]

I got these, so far so good:

 

 

[TripleDigitRide]

I got these, so far so good:

Is the upper block strong enough to withstand barrel changes?

[Omega]

The ones I have, have a couple of plastic plates that keep it from torquing the upper, like this, which do help.

 

[mikegideon]

Is the upper block strong enough to withstand barrel changes?

 

The DPMS one is. Similar style. I started out with the clamshell. It scuffs the finish on the upper when you torque down a barrel, and won't work with billet receivers. I have probably 10 barrel installs on my DPMS block. Looks like they are out of stock everywhere. 

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/730930/dpms-upper-receiver-action-block-ar-15-delrin

[Trekbike]

I would not go the clamshell route since it limits which receivers it fits well.    I have the one mikegideon linked above and it works well.    

 

I received a Magpul Bev block as a present and it is a very good option as well.   The nice thing about that one is the steel lugs index into the barrel extension and it will not transfer any torque to the receiver body when torquing a barrel or muzzle device.     

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/855360/magpul-bev-block-ar-15-action-block 

[Shorty]

I have a couple of buddies that have used the Magpul BEV and have been happy with it. One preferred it over the clamp style since it won't scratch the exterior. Edited March 28, 2016 by Shorty

[TripleDigitRide]

I would not go the clamshell route since it limits which receivers it fits well.    I have the one mikegideon linked above and it works well.    

 

I received a Magpul Bev block as a present and it is a very good option as well.   The nice thing about that one is the steel lugs index into the barrel extension and it will not transfer any torque to the receiver body when torquing a barrel or muzzle device.     

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/855360/magpul-bev-block-ar-15-action-block 

I was actually just looking at the BEV Block. Based on your experience with it, is it good enough to replace the other type of receiver blocks? I'd much rather buy one tool that can be used for the upper and lower, but will I end up needing to buy another receiver block anyway?

[Trekbike]

I was actually just looking at the BEV Block. Based on your experience with it, is it good enough to replace the other type of receiver blocks? I'd much rather buy one tool that can be used for the upper and lower, but will I end up needing to buy another receiver block anyway?

 

I didn't receive the BEV block as a gift until after I had already built my last AR so I haven't had a chance to use it yet.    I did try the fit on my upper to see if it engaged the barrel like it should.    Everything looked correct and I have no doubt it will work as designed.   I believe it is a good "one vise block" option.   

 

Shoot me a PM if you want to borrow mine if you are unsure.    

[mikegideon]

I was actually just looking at the BEV Block. Based on your experience with it, is it good enough to replace the other type of receiver blocks? I'd much rather buy one tool that can be used for the upper and lower, but will I end up needing to buy another receiver block anyway?

 

I have put at least 20 lowers together without a block. I'm starting to believe I don't need one.

Edited March 28, 2016 by mikegideon

[johnwilliams5721]

After using the Magpul block, I tossed my other blocks. +1 for Magpul.

[Spiffy]

I got that Wheelers Delta kit when I bought AR tools. The lower block part broke before the castle nut broke loose.

[gjohnsoniv]

For the uppers I have the Geissele Reaction Rod, works great.

[KKing]

I have put at least 20 lowers together without a block. I'm starting to believe I don't need one.

Same here. I use the DPMS upper block linked above, works good to me.

[TripleDigitRide]

I've never used a lower block, but I could definitely use one for the upper. I went ahead and ordered the BEV Block.

[bud]

.

Edited June 18, 2016 by bud

[mikegideon]

Do you use the Geissele reaction rod for barrel install/removal too? Or just hand guards and muzzle devices?
Was buying today on amazon but the Internet abounds with warnings about not using for barrel work. Im assembling an odd shaped side charger and the reaction rod seems my best bet. Thanks for any info.
Edit- I've already ruled out the brownells version.

 

I have lots of faith in Bill Geissele as an engineer. I own 5 of his triggers. But, holding the barrel in that fashion scares me a little. Mainly, if you break a tooth on the barrel extension, you have big problems.

Edited March 28, 2016 by mikegideon

[gjohnsoniv]

Do you use the Geissele reaction rod for barrel install/removal too? Or just hand guards and muzzle devices?
Was buying today on amazon but the Internet abounds with warnings about not using for barrel work. Im assembling an odd shaped side charger and the reaction rod seems my best bet. Thanks for any info.
Edit- I've already ruled out the brownells version.

I've used it for everything and haven't had any ill side affects.

[R_Bert]

Do you use the Geissele reaction rod for barrel install/removal too? Or just hand guards and muzzle devices?
Was buying today on amazon but the Internet abounds with warnings about not using for barrel work. Im assembling an odd shaped side charger and the reaction rod seems my best bet. Thanks for any info.
Edit- I've already ruled out the brownells version.

 

 

 

I've used it for everything and haven't had any ill side affects.

 

I have lots of faith in Bill Geissele as an engineer. I own 5 of his triggers. But, holding the barrel in that fashion scares me a little. Mainly, if you break a tooth on the barrel extension, you have big problems.

 

Either of you guys -  I listen to, and value opinion.

 

Now - my question - if the forces of a bolt slamming to & fro don't damage an extension, can Bert's puny efforts succeed?

Edited March 28, 2016 by R_Bert

[bud]

.

Edited June 18, 2016 by bud

[Dolomite_supafly]

The ones I have, have a couple of plastic plates that keep it from torquing the upper, like this, which do help.

 

I use this type as well and it works well enough. I tighten mine until they line up so it will take some torque.

[mikegideon]

Either of you guys -  I listen to, and value opinion.

 

Now - my question - if the forces of a bolt slamming to & fro don't damage an extension, can Bert's puny efforts succeed?

 

The bolt isn't putting that kind of force on it. If Geissele says it is ok, then I am sure it's ok. I assumed that he was the one discouraging barrel installation. If that's just a bunch of guys on the internet, I will take Bills word over it. I'm sure he did the math.

[Trekbike]

Do you use the Geissele reaction rod for barrel install/removal too? Or just hand guards and muzzle devices?
Was buying today on amazon but the Internet abounds with warnings about not using for barrel work. Im assembling an odd shaped side charger and the reaction rod seems my best bet. Thanks for any info.
Edit- I've already ruled out the brownells version.

The Magpul BEV block works on a similar principle as the reaction rod by engaging the barrel lugs but it also doubles as a lower vise block and is about half the cost.