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Posted: 7/19/2004 12:16:00 PM EDT
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Who makes the best upper receiver action blocks for barreling purposes? Bushmaster? Peace River from Brownell's? Also, it it worth buying the block and wrench for a one time install? What do smiths usually charge for a barreling job? Mick |
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This DPMS Upper Receiver Block has become my favorite and it does not leave any marks on the outside of the receiver. http://img47.photobucket.com/albums/v145/AUSTINWFT/231000157.jpg http://img47.photobucket.com/albums/v145/AUSTINWFT/TL-PRC.jpg I got mine from Brownells. |
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I have the one mfg'd by Peace River, don't remember who I got it from. It is the one that clamps from the top, has an insert that replaces the bolt carrier, and was sold by quite a few parts suppliers. This one completely encloses the upper receiver and holds it securely. I feel it puts less stress on the upper than the one that just pins as in the picture above. It has never left "marks" on my uppers. It was made for A1/A2 carry handle uppers. Later, when the flattop came out, it would not fit. I machined a groove in both halves of the block to allow clearance for the Pic rail and have continued using it. I suppose the mfg has upgraded the unit. Edited to add: My action block is the same one as the DPMS PR-02 Action Block. The current version will fit A1/A2 AND flattops. www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/769000 |
| My Brownell's upper rec'r block works for A1, A2 and flat top uppers. I bought it (used) a few years ago. It does leave a slight mark on the upper on the opposite side of the brass deflector. It's so minor, I don't really mind. Someday I'll file down the inside of the block so it doesn't mark up the upper. |
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| No. They used to, but now they have a one-piece design. The Brownell's (and Peace River) block has an insert that goes into the upper. Then you close the ejection port cover and put the upper in the block. The insert protects the upper from being crushed in case you clamp down to hard with the vise. Looking at a picture of the BM version, it seems a little beefier than the Brownell's one. |
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Actually, on the Peace River action block, it does not matter how hard you clamp down, the pressure is not on the upper rx. The purpose of the insert is to keep the sides of the receiver from bending as you apply torque to the barrel nut, and it is absolutely necessary to use it. |
Yes, I've used mine to build three uppers so far. Here are the reasons it's a lot better than the clam shell type... 1. It will not mark up you receiver. Clam Shell types will leave marks on you upper unless you tweak them first. 2. It can be used as a vice block for some general work like mounting optics. Only downside is you can't use it to clean the barrel. 3. (and this is the biggest) you can use it on any upper designed for a AR15\M16. Clam shell types only work on Mil-Spec uppers. The DPMS claw will work on Lo-Pro and High-Pro, Side-cocker's\bolt action types. Left side ejection uppers. Maybe you don't want anything like that now but what about the future. What if you want to build one for a friend who wants one. Why limit yourself? If you look around, you can usually find them for ~$35 |
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