AR-15 upper action vice block types (which is better?)

[milotrain]

The pin type looks easy as cake to build and the clamp type is out of stock at MidwayUSA. If I am installing a float tube does anyone see a problem using a pin type?

Pin Type

Clamp Type

[milotrain]

Edit: I just realized what the pin type is for (installing things on the flat top rail). Likely not great for 34ftlbs of torque on the barrel nut.

[baih777]

ProMag makes a set. Clamp and magwell. That's what I am using now. Works great

[Full Clip]

I used the clamp type, but 34lbs isn't that much torque.

[baih777]

Added info, if you also need to install a muzzle brake or flash hider order a barrel vise. I use the L shaped blocks that fit in the vise

[-hanko]

Try Brownells.

-hanko

[jgraham15]

I've been using the PRI pin style for the last year or so and have built many uppers, replaced barrels and removed and installed muzzle devices with zero problems.

But I was given some advice a while back that if you ran across a really stubborn muzzle device or barrel nut you might deform the upper receiver with it only being supported by the pin holes so I have since moved to this setup for anything that is being stubborn

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=15901202&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=d2335413-439f-4a72-bf05-37886dae666c

I've only used it a couple times but I like it a lot.

[milotrain]

Problem with the brownells clamp is that it's $50+, midway has it with the magazine block for $30 but they are out of stock.

Jgraham, that looks great, and thank you for your experience. I could really easily make a pair of those, I think I even have some left over UHMW in the garage. Perfect!

[Calif Mini]

Coming up in popularity

This flat top receiver style is gaining popularity. Fits both the AR-15 and the 308 variants too.

[jgraham15]

This flat top receiver style is gaining popularity. Fits both the AR-15 and the 308 variants too.

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So are you ready to start making some for us yet????

[Calif Mini]

Pin type receiver blocks

I have always been afraid of holding uppers using the pins and I have seen some pics posted with failures.

Good until it's not.......... OOOPS...... To late (:-((

Anyone interested in the one I posted, please PM me for details.

[ptoguy2002]

If you are torquing the barrel, use the one that clamps the upper receiver, not the pin hole one.
The flat top one is a good concept, but still doesn't support the upper as well as the other style, which supports it as close as possible to the threads around the body of the upper, which is the better type.
The 30 some odd ft-lbs is the minimum.
To clock the nut for the gas tube, it will take more, up to 80 IIRC.