ThatGuy80 wrote:Hello folks,
I may be in the wrong thread but I’m new, so let the hazing fly lol. Recently purchased my Bushmaster AR in 450bm. First big bore AR and not very experienced with ARs in general. Been a lot of learning here to say the least. Not new to gun work though so here goes....
I’m slowly buying tools for this thing and like the idea of a reaction rod/lug lock rather than the traditional clamshell vice block.
Any advice on these or horror stories to consider?
Thanks and excuse my likely misplaced question in advance!
ThatGuy80
Just thinking about the reaction rod approach and what comes to mind is the fact that it immobilizes the barrel which is indexed to the receiver by a small pin. When torquing a barrel nut, the stress is upon the receiver and not much on the barrel. That's why I went with my Block Worx setup, originally sold on Ebay and later spike's Tactical, as opposed to a conventional clamshell.
It supports both the bottom and the top of the receiver while torquing. The concept has changed hands a couple of times and sadly, the original design (Block Worx) with the dovetailed topside block doesn't
appear to be around any more. The closest I've found and its a close match at that, is the set sold under the
PlastixRevolution name. If anyone knows where to get the original Block Worx fixture, please chime in.
That's what I recommend for a vise block. It's not cheap but replacing a distorted receiver isn't cheap either. Mine is on track to last a lifetime.
Hoot