Posted: 2/13/2018 8:28:11 AM EDT
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OK, I'm just starting a LR-308/SR25?AR-10 build, a 308 black gun build. This is my first ever build, and I'm looking at tools to do the build. There is a plethora of wrenches, blocks, etc out there. So, this is what I need to buy, I think.
Upper receiver block to install barrel, compensator, etc. I've seen blocks that squeeze from the sides, and ones that mount on the top rail and bottom of receiver. Armor wrench for 308. Lower receiver block. So, what do you guys use, specifically, and what do I really need? Thanks. |
| I use a multi wrench, bench vise and receiver block. However, with a receiver block you will be limited to the rails you can use due to over hang. Id get a action rod over a receiver block. However, with today's price it is cost effective just to order a complete upper and forget the tools. |
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A GunSmith can make gun parts give raw stock (hunks of ordinance steel). A good GunSmith can make the whole gun from raw stocks of metal and plastic.
A Gun Tinkerer can fiddle with already built parts and make the gun better (or worse) for his effort. Do not confuse the two. |
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I think you've confused "manufacturer" and gunsmith. I know a few talented smiths that don't have the machinery or know-how to turn a block of steel and a Stainless round stock into a barreled action. |
| Brownells sells a pretty basic gunsmith kit. It's a pretty good starting point. I do recommend using a reaction bar versus vice blocks. I have yet to find an upper receiver lapping tool for the .308 so I went with the Aero Precision upper since I've yet to find one that needed lapping in my AR-15 builds. I wasn't disappointed. You will need a set of files or access to a mill because the AR-10 bolt catches tend to be blocked by the upper and don't let the mag follower lift high enough to stop the bolt. A little filing of the upper to add relief for the catch solves the problem. The bolt catches could also be filed it you have a lot of time. They are hardened steel and tough as hell to file or even mill. |
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Quoted: Do they own files and stones? How about a micrometer that will measure 0.0001 inches? A torque wrench? |
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Quoted:To call that guy a tinkerer because he didn't CNC out the action and turn the rifling through a Stainless round stock is a bit of an insult I think to their craft though. So what word is appropriate for those in the middle? Greater than Tinkerer but less than Smith. |
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I don't think there's anyone out there turning a solid blocks of steel into rifle actions with just a few files, stones, a mic and a torque wrench. Takes a bit more that that. A good smith can take that rifled barrel blank and action and contour it, thread and chamber it perfectly, bed the action, ect, ect, ect though. To call that guy a tinkerer because he didn't CNC out the action and turn the rifling through a Stainless round stock is a bit of an insult I think to their craft though. Quoted:
Quoted: Do they own files and stones? How about a micrometer that will measure 0.0001 inches? A torque wrench? The guy that assembles an AR or screws a barrel onto a Savage action is an armorer at best. If he can't hand fit parts or fabricate small parts by cutting, filing, stoning, and maybe welding or brazing, he is most definitely not a gunsmith. Gunsmith is not defined by whether he owns a lathe and mill. |
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If he can't hand fit parts or fabricate small parts by cutting, filing, stoning, and maybe welding or brazing, he is most definitely not a gunsmith. Gunsmith is not defined by whether he owns a lathe and mill. |
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Brownells sells a pretty basic gunsmith kit. It's a pretty good starting point. I do recommend using a reaction bar versus vice blocks. I have yet to find an upper receiver lapping tool for the .308 so I went with the Aero Precision upper since I've yet to find one that needed lapping in my AR-15 builds. I wasn't disappointed. You will need a set of files or access to a mill because the AR-10 bolt catches tend to be blocked by the upper and don't let the mag follower lift high enough to stop the bolt. A little filing of the upper to add relief for the catch solves the problem. The bolt catches could also be filed it you have a lot of time. They are hardened steel and tough as hell to file or even mill. |
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Some of the greatest Gunsmiths in the world use little more than files, scrapers, stones and screwdrivers.
Some of the biggest hacks you will see have $100k in machine tools. If you are just going to assemble one rifle then the investment in tools is questionable. Reaction rod is better than receiver blocks IMO. |