Which AR15 upper vice?

[AA&E]

I've been looking at two different types, one that holds the upper receiver itself, and the other has lugs that interface the bolt lugs of the barrel and relieve the stress placed on the receiver by holding the barrel lugs themselves. Can the barrel lugs withstand the torque (up to 80lbs I think?) of installing a barrel? I'd rather risk the ruin/bend/break/crush/destroy an $80 upper than a $350 barrel, but if the barrel lugs are designed to withstand the force I can see where this is potentially the best route. I know the US Military method involves gripping the barrel itself in a vice, but I really don't want to mar the finish of the rifle barrel either. Opinions?

 

[jinks]

I use the Brownells Barrel Extension Torque Tool and it works very well. The barrel extension is pinned in place so 30-80 ft lbs of torque should not loosen it.

 

[slowmo]

I use the clamp type that wraps around the whole receiver. I feel like it has a few points of contact to absorb the force of the torque. You shouldn't have a problem if you keep it in spec 30lbs plus indexing (under 80ft). I use a wooden vise to clamp onto the barrel when tightening my muzzle devices. As a warning, I don't believe mine would hold a billet receiver.

Edit to add:
I have no experience or knowledge of the barrel extension type of tool.

 

[USMC-Johnson]

The tool that interfaces with the barrel extension is a better tool. You are less likely to damage anything as well as being able to use it with non standard billet uppers.

 

[devious169]

If your planning on building a few uppers I'd use the geiselle reaction rod. If money is not an option. Or if it's one and done take it to a smith or a competent fella at a gun shop that does ars. Be aware that many manufacturers spec certain type action blocks to be used for assembly or will otherwise void your warranty. All of this I speak from personal experience.

 

[jinks]

If your planning on building a few uppers I'd use the geiselle reaction rod. If money is not an option. Or if it's one and done take it to a smith or a competent fella at a gun shop that does ars. Be aware that many manufacturers spec certain type action blocks to be used for assembly or will otherwise void your warranty. All of this I speak from personal experience.

The Brownell's Barrel Extension Torque Tool functions the same as the Geiselle Reaction Rod but it cost half as much. Brownell's tool cost $50, full price, or $36.49, discounted, compared to $99 for the Geiselle tool.

 

[devious169]

I bought my reaction rod used off armslist for 50.00 and thought that was high!

 

[AA&E]

Thank you for the advice gentlemen. I suppose I will go with the Browning Barrel Extension Torque Tool. I saw it and it seemed to make sense that it would be a better way of holding the barrel, but I wasn't sure the lugs could withstand the torque. This is my first complete build, but I doubt it will be my last. Making a 300BLK and fabricating my own (form 1) suppressor for it. If I don't like the results I'll buy a commercial suppressor.

 

[USMC-Johnson]

I use mine weekly and it works great. I have them for AR15 and AR10

 

[phylodog]

I use a Reaction Rod for torquing muzzle devices and a DPMS Panther Claw or clamshell vice block for tightening barrel nuts.

 

[ljk]

many people swear by the Geissele Reaction rod, but by far my favorite is the Magpul Bev Block. and it costs less than half of a Reaction Rod

 

[Psode27]

I have a cheapo Model 1 Sales clamshell type and its been great. No damaged parts to date and its probably had 15 different rifles in it. (I pass it around to friends and family..) That said, I'd probably go with a rod type if I did it all over again.

 

[hrearden]

The Reaction Rod is awesome if youre gonna build a bunch of them. I bought one for the shop here and use it for everything. I like it because I dont have to take customer's optics off and I can turn the upper to access different points of it while working on it (useful when doing gas blocks).