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Posted: 2/6/2009 1:58:09 PM EDT
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Brownells has a really handy fixture, the Lower Receiver Vise Block. It's a block of plastic that has been shaped to fit in the mag well, clamped in by the mag catch. You clamp the block in the vise, then shove the lower on it until the mag catch snaps into place. This will hold the lower firmly in the vise while you have your way with it.
It looks like a really handy tool, but Brownells wants $50 for it! I figured I could carve one myself out of some scrap teflon, available at the local recycling yard. I have downloaded the drawings of the AR-15 lower receiver, so I have the dimensions that I need. Also, I could just match the block to one of my magazines. Being a fine, upstanding citizen of the State of Kalifornia, I don't have anything bigger than a 10-rnd mag, but it will serve as a guide. Has anyone bought one of these blocks from Brownell's? Has anyone made something themselves to serve the same function? Got any pics? |
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Del-ton has one for $34, I've seen them even cheaper elsewhere.
http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Tools_s/108.htm You could probably fill an old mag with epoxy and have the same thing. |
| I think that is waaay too much money for that. I have yet to get enough parts for either of the two AR's that I am building, but I did pick up a training mag from a local store for approx. $10. I thought it would serve the same purpose for 1/5 the cost. It is VERY heavy and appears to be made from recycled materials. I'll try to post up a picture if anyone is interested. |
| Yea, I just changed out my receiver extension tube, used a block of wood. It's primative, but $50 is ridiculous. I spent the money on the upper receiver action block, but the lower wasnt really necessary for me. Use a piece of hardwood, and slowly take off excess so that you get the tightest possible fit. I started by cutting a piece slightly larger than a mag. Then shaved wood off of each dimension until it fit. I didn't bother to cut a spot for the mag catch, just the block push it out. It was a snug fit, and it worked great. I just worked slowly to ensure I wasn't putting to much torsion on the lower, but it was fine. I dont see how an epoxy or phenolic block would be any more effective––only about 1000% more expensive. |
| I made one on a milling machine out of Delrin. I oversized the dimensions slightly and got a nice tight fit. Now that I understand which dimensions are critical, it would only take around 45 minutes to make a nice finished one with an angle steel base suitable for mounting on a plate or bench. Alternately, it can just be mounted in a vise with the base removed. It is pretty simple to make. Just make sure you leave adequate room for the bolt on the top. If I make another one, I won't bother to keep the profile of the top (i.e. feed lips, etc.). |
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