Can you guys suggest a good upper receiver vise block for a 308? Will a regular ar-15 vise block work? Looking for something easy on the wallet.
Thanks guys

brownels  midway....... and no a ar 15 one will not work

JP makes a nice setup that works for both.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DMUDCE6?pc_redir=1410356484&robot_redir=1

Will this one work? I only need it for one build, maybe 2 later down the road.
Thanks for the help

If you plan to do a few or upgrade on the regular or even perform maintance at the armorer level, buck up for the Geissele Reaction Rod for the .308. It's $200 but well worth it. While I haven't used it, I have used the AR15 version and it's amazing. I also have used the KAC Barrel Extension Tool one which is a fraction of the cost of the Geissele 308. It works and I have put together 3 uppers using it that were DPMS pattern. I still want to get the Geissele though b/c it will hold it better. There is a tad bit of wiggle with the KACwhen the barrel is on there.

KAC: http://www.operationparts.com/KAC_Knight_s_Armament_Barrel_Extension_Wrench_p/30447.htm

Geissele: https://dsgarms.com/gat10-247

That's not intended for barrel nuts, only muzzle devices. Many people have had alignment pins break or wander when using the geissele or brownells rod on barrel nuts. Use a proper upper vise setup for barrel nut torquing.

The KAC states that, but the Geissele states it can be used for " The removal and installation of barrels, flash hiders, gas blocks and hand guards is made much easier and simpler. The Reaction Rod is designed to be gripped in a bench vise so that the rod is either horizontal or vertical." I haven't had any issues or even indications of issues vs a vice block. As for .308 options, I know Mega Arms uses the Panther Claw. I could be crying should I screw up a barrel using any of the above tools, but I certainly prefer them over the Clam shell vice block for the AR15 and while I have a .308 Panther Claw, it hasn't been used.

Unless you can stabilize the barrel and receiver and keep both from shifting at all, even a micrometer, isn't there going to be strain on the pin regardless? No clue. Serious question.

The reaction rod does NOTHING to stabilize the upper. When you hold the barrel and torque on the upper via the barrel nut, you're risking the upper turning against the alignment pin on the barrel. Just because the manufacturer's marketing literature says you can use it for something doesn't make it so.

A clamshell receiver vise isolates and holds the receiver steady so that it doesn't torque against the barrel when installing the nut.

The brownells and geissele rods are great products for certain tasks. Torquing a barrel nut is not one of them.

Friction against the barrel extension and barrel nut does not cause any shifting either? I suppse not much if any. Only time I broke a pin was on a PSA barrel and it had nothing to do with torque and everything do with a really crappy barrel. They righted that wrong. But I digress, I will have to consider this more now. I have read some instances of the reaction rod being a culprit to broken pins after you mentioned it a few posts up.

That's a shame though. Thanks for the heads up.

Edit: I see the JP setup you are talking about. Might be adding that to the tool box.

I got one a while back on sale and love it. It's only as good as the vise you use it in, but I also have a clamshell if I'm nervous with it. I actually use barrel blocks for muzzle devices.

So, if I understand correctly, you're saying the Geisselle Reaction Rod is not intended for barrel nuts and only muzzle devices ?

Geisselle and Brownells videos are seriously misleading then.

Marketing departments are always 100% technically accurate, huh?

Here's a suggestion: read the accounts of those who have ruined uppers and/or barrel extensions using the fad-rods for barrel nuts instead of blindly believing marketing hype. Also read the fine print regarding torque figures in tge product literature if you only want to believe the marketing department instead of the real-world results of end-users.

Calm down there big guy.

I'm not taking sides on the Reaction Rod one way or the other (Never was 100% on board with it). Just looking for a little clarification on the matter.