AR Sponsor
Posted: 9/17/2012 6:45:20 AM EDT
|
Hi all. I am in need of an upper receiver vise block. Is there anyone here who is willing to part with perhaps an old block that doesn't see much action any more. I know it's a shot in the dark, but I don't really want to pay as much in shipping as I would pay for the vise block. Also, a question: I got into a heated debate with my local gunsmith after asking him if he would be willing to do a quick headspace check on an AR build I'm doing. He said he had the gauges and would be happy to headspace a rifle, but refused to do an AR because according to him, it is unnecessary.
Long argument short, he has the tools but won't do it, or let me do it, based solely on the fact that he feels it unnecessary. I am of the opinion that even if it is unnecessary why not do it anyway. It avoids an "I told you so" later down the road. Does anyone have any compelling information I could share with him or should i just drop the $$ for my own gauges? Thanks! |
|
If the barrel/extension and bolt are new, from reputable manufacturers/vendors, you don't need to headspace it.
For peace of mind, you can if you want or if you are unsure of the providence of the parts it might be a good idea. If you are hell bent on it, buy the gauges as they are not that expensive and can be used over and over... |
|
As the blocks usually run between $35-$50 I don't think you could double it in shipping costs unless you have to have it the next am. You might do better asking to barrow one on your hometown forum or look in the EE. I'm sure somebody around you could help out. They would probably have all the rest of the tools to help you build it (armors wrench, torque wrench, moly lube). Heck, they might have a set of headspace gauges too.
With my new builds I never headspace with new parts. With new parts if your gauges fail I would just return the parts for exchange. Edit: If you still want to buy one, JSE Surplus had them for $35 with $9 shipping USPS Priority mail to Akron (i just pick a city in Ohio) |
|
Sounds like you are on a tight budget.
Post on your Hometown Forum here at AR15.com and see if there is a tooled up member that would be willing to help you. On your "gunsmith".... 1) He should have just checked headspace for you and kept his mouth shut. 2) He may not be Black Rifle Competent. 3) If you go back to him, prepare yourself for disappointment. |
| Google the term "AR-15 Headspace Problem" and you'll find plenty of examples. Statistically speaking, it may be unnecessary, but I do not want to become a statistic if that makes sense. I'd find a different guy. It doesn't hurt to check headspace. Rainier Arms always checks headspace when you buy a barrel & bolt from them. They will check headspace even if you buy a barrel or bolt and sent them your barrel or bolt to match. |
|
Quoted:
Sounds like you are on a tight budget. Post on your Hometown Forum here at AR15.com and see if there is a tooled up member that would be willing to help you. On your "gunsmith".... 1) He should have just checked headspace for you and kept his mouth shut. 2) He may not be Black Rifle Competent. 3) If you go back to him, prepare yourself for disappointment. Thanks for the advice, and I've already had that sense of disappointment, but wasn't sure what it was, you pretty much confirmed it. I guess what I was looking for was for someone to tell me "yeah he's right..." but I'm glad I didn't if you catch my drift. As far as the budget, not necessarily tight. Best price I can find is about $32 for a set (upper and lower) but it's gonna cost me another $20 in shipping. Basically I'm looking at $50-60 looking on various sites, better shipping but higher prices, and it just seems like an aweful lot to spend on something so simple. But again, thanks for the good advice. |
|
Here is the set I bought when I built my x39 AR.
http://www.squirreldaddy.com/AR15-Upper-F-F-Lower-Vise-Block-Pin-Pusher-p/20-130.htm It was $39.95 shipped. Don't know if that's exactly what you were looking for but it worked fine for my build, they shipped it the same day, and I had it in 2 days via USPS. Bob |
|
You do not need a vise to check an AR's headspace, just the appropriate gauges (and you need to disassemble your bolt). You don't even need to hold the upper in some specific manner...
However, if you want to do work on your upper, I'd recommend vise blocks instead of an upper receiver block. I have aluminum barrel vise blocks, but I've seen posts here (by member Powershot) that say he used this to do his barrel work: 
Find it at Lowes for less than $8. (Sorry for the massive picture, but that's the size Lowes made it.) |
AR Sponsor