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Posted: 4/6/2008 6:07:10 AM EDT
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Do I absolutely need to use an action block to install a new barrel onto a new receiver? Trust me, if I find myself building more than one AR then I'll get one (I will anyway just to remove any barrels) but I'm heading out to get moly grease now and want to know if there's another way to tighten up the barrell without one. Any tips are greatly appreciated. Also, how much torque needs to be applied? I read anywhere from 20-80 foot lbs... |
Use the right tools for the right job.  If a receiver vice block is too pricey, buy a barrel vice block. Over the years I’ve seen plenty of screwed up receivers on this web site from those too impatient to order the right tools for the job. Look at it this way: If you improvise to remove or install a barrel, and damage the upper receiver beyond use, you’ll not only be out the price of the receiver, you’ll still end up having to buy the proper tools and another receiver. Another option: Post in your Hometown Forum. Maybe a fellow ARFcommer local to you can help you out with tooling and support. |
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I made a WECSOG receiver block by taking two short pieces of 2x6 lumber, gouging out one face of each with a router, filling it with automotive fibreglass, then squeezing a carry handle receiver (wrapped in saran wrap) in between the halves. After it had hardened, I gouged out the fibreglass near the top, refilled it with fresh stuff, and squeezed a flat top receiver, again wrapped in plastic. Et voila, a cheap-as-can-be upper receiver block. When I was a student, I had a LOT more time than I did money. The question is, now that I am working, why is that still the case?  |
I am all about having the right tools but I hate buying tools for a possible one time job... Oh we;;, off to get a receiver block... |
You're looking at this the wrong way. It isn't a one-time job. The tools you purchase can now be used to rationalize multiple upper purchases down the road. After all, you don't want to spend all that money on just one use, right?
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True... I was just looking to see if there was a way to assemble a new barrel to a receiver without one. I would never attempt to remove a used one though. |
| I tried not using a action block...it cost me a $100 upper receiver...I knew better, but was impatient and didn't want to wait for a block to come in...I now have the DPMS block, works great and you will most likely use it more than once.. BTW removing the old barrel wasn't the problem, it was tightening the barrel nut to line up the gas tube. It slipped in the vise (was grabbing with multiple rags around the rail, trying to be careful) and managed to barely deform the upper, but enough where the bolt wouldn't smoothly slide. Oh well, lesson learned. |
ok that sealed the deal, lol.... block it is. |
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I have used 2x4 pieces to disassemble and reassemble uppers before with success. Yes there is risk involved. Got to remember not to reef on the vise too much, just enough so that the receiver doesn't rotate. Also the 2x4's must fit between the front and rear lugs with very little space between. Anyone who doesn't feel comfortable attempting this should not. ETA: It's like anything else in life, we all have our acceptable levels of risk. |
Thats what Harbor freight is good for, cheap tools to use once. Maybe we could get a group buy on a cheapass chi-com built upper receiver block. 
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Seriously... I don't think an action block is hardly worth $40.00 for someone that will use it just a handful of times... If you are a full time gunsmith, then it's worth every penny. I don't think I got one just because of the point, lol. It's not like I can go up the street and ask uncle Henry to borrow his AR action block either. Someone should make one that can be used for just a few times and throw it away. Then I'd come along and somehow Donald Duck it to be a permanent tool.  |
Now that I think of it, I'm a good jack of trades, master of none (sort of). I'm going to give the 2X4 a try. If I am torquing down too hard and I think something isn't right, I'll stop... How much torque pressure needs to be exerted to torque the barrel down? |
| I used hard wood, I machined the wood to fit the upper as would a commercially made action block and it works as good or better. It was free and it has lasted about 15 installs. Looks as it did when I made it. Never broke an upper. But I have broken an upper trying to do it without a block of any sort :) |
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I used wood and it worked perfectly. I would NEVER use it for anything bus tightening an new setup. After seeing how it is setup in a vise, I would not attempt loosening up a barrel nut. I was VERY careful and watched every part while I tightened sloooowly. It it was going to give, I would have stopped. I used a good amount of pressure and got it nice nice just after it cleared the gas rod. Well, it worked and I am good to go. until I setup my next rifle or disassemble this one, I will look to getting an action block. |
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