Rebarrelling AR - Barrel Vise or Receiver Block?

[SA80Dan]

Looking at rebarrelling my AR. I see the most touted method to hold everything in place these days is to use a receiver block - however, the USGI technical manual still seems to advocate a barrel vise.

Is there any benefit of one method over the other? Wondering whether to buy a receiver block or some aluminum barrel jaws for my vise.

[WildBillCody]

I just bought these, haven't got them yet... I've done three or four guns without anything, just put it on the carpet and put your knee on it, I thought it might be time to invest in the right tool :)

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=35342

[19Charlie_84]

I always use an action block, the clamp style with the insert that replaces BCG. It provides the greatest amount of support IMO. The two piece block thing might be ok for some projects, but for rebarreling I would go with complete enclosure. If you get the 3 piece set it also comes with a lower reciever piece that goes in the magwell to hold a lower while you work on it.

[deth502]

i clamp the barrel. i wouldn't trust holding that thin aluminum receiver, even with any kind of block supporting it. theres no way your going to mess up the rear portion of the barrel bad enough to either affect the bore or be so bad that you'll notice it once the hand guards are on.

[cz777]

http://www.tonyscustomuppers.com/cart/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=8 i use a lot of his tools like m-4 carbine stock tube tool it works very well !http://www.tonyscustomuppers.com/cart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=72 he makes most in house!

[SA80Dan]

http://www.tonyscustomuppers.com/cart/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=8 i use a lot of his tools like m-4 carbine stock tube tool it works very well !http://www.tonyscustomuppers.com/cart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=72 he makes most in house!

Great links there cz - thanks!!

[robocop10mm]

The absolute best idea I have ever seen was a former Air Force armorer that welded a bolt into a carrier and welded a steel bar in a "T" shaped configuration to the back of the carrier. The tool clamped into a bench vise and the upper slipped onto it. The torque was contained at the barrel extension so the upper did not have any stress whatsoever.

[SA80Dan]

The absolute best idea I have ever seen was a former Air Force armorer that welded a bolt into a carrier and welded a steel bar in a "T" shaped configuration to the back of the carrier. The tool clamped into a bench vise and the upper slipped onto it. The torque was contained at the barrel extension so the upper did not have any stress whatsoever.

Funny you should mention that....in the end, I used what you could probably call a close commercial equivalent:

http://www.jsesurplus.com/dpmspantherreceiverclawblock.aspx

Obviously won't be as strong as your AF guys homemade one - but made the barrel change a cinch - just clamp the block into your vise, pin the upper to it...voila, job done.

[Bluedog]

I use an action block from veriforce tactical. I needed one that works with A1, A2, and flattop uppers, and ther veriforce version fills the bill.

[Planning]

I always use an action block, the clamp style with the insert that replaces BCG. It provides the greatest amount of support IMO. The two piece block thing might be ok for some projects, but for rebarreling I would go with complete enclosure. If you get the 3 piece set it also comes with a lower reciever piece that goes in the magwell to hold a lower while you work on it.

that is what i use ( the 3 piece set it also comes with a lower reciever piece that goes in the magwell to hold a lower while you work on it) and so far i have not had any problems. it is quick and easy.

ron