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Posted: 2/17/2004 4:23:43 PM EDT
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Hey guys the link above to the NRA site is not working (would love to see it if anybody has a copy) so I'll ask instead. Waiting on a new barrel to start my first upper build. From what I can tell, the only two tools I really need is a Barrel wrench and a action block. For the barrel wrench, it seems the DPMS multi-tool is the way to go. I know they also have a action block but it's pretty expensive @~$45. Is it worth it? Any other ones as good or better for less money? Would I be better off with a barrel block instead? If you guys could recommend specific tools with good sources (price wise) I'd appreciate it. Thanks |
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Quoted: If you are near Ft Campbell IM me and you can use my stuff. Thanks again |
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You WILL really appreciate having a pair of snap-ring pliers. If you don't have a pair, installing the snap ring on the barrel nut is a huge pain. I use the Bushmaster barrel wrench. The DPMS one is real good too. You'll need some high-temp anti-seize for the barrel nut threads. You building an A2 upper? If so, there is a special tool for installing the rear sight that is very helpful. I believe Brownell's sells them. (Hell, what DON'T they sell?) Check out this [url=http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=432&title=TOOLS+FOR+AR-15%2fM16]page[/url] from Borwnell's. Most of the tools are in this (very expensive) kit. Just buy the ones you need individually. Speaking of Brownell's, they sell a barrel nut alignment gauge (item #25 on the page I linked). Also check out part number 27 on that list. That's the headspace gauge. I good thing to have after installing a barrel. Make sure you have the correct roll pin punches. Some guys like to use a torque wrench, some don't. I did for my first barrel install. After that, I felt good to go kind of by feel. I use the Bushmaster upper receiver block. Peace River (available at Brownell's) is a nice block too. Screw the barrel block. The receiver block is all you'll need. Oh yea, might as well get a front sight adjustment tool. That makes installing (and adjusting, go figure) the front sight pin very easy. I assume your barrel assembly will already have this installed. I just think while you're ordering tools, you might want to throw one on the order. Use a good, solid vice and take your time with it. Building ARs is a lot of fun. Hope this helps somewhat. Here is a helpful hint. Know anyone with an FFL (this can include a C&R FFL)? If so, they get a very nice discount at Brownell's. [:)] |
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Quoted: You WILL really appreciate having a pair of snap-ring pliers. If you don't have a pair, installing the snap ring on the barrel nut is a huge pain. [red]- check, got 'em[/red] I use the Bushmaster barrel wrench. The DPMS one is real good too. You'll need some high-temp anti-seize for the barrel nut threads. [red] - good info, didn't know that [/red] You building an A2 upper? [red]- not this time but next time[/red] If so, there is a special tool for installing the rear sight that is very helpful. I believe Brownell's sells them. (Hell, what DON'T they sell?) Check out this [url=http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=432&title=TOOLS+FOR+AR-15%2fM16]page[/url] from Borwnell's. Most of the tools are in this (very expensive) kit. Just buy the ones you need individually. Speaking of Brownell's, they sell a barrel nut alignment gauge (item #25 on the page I linked). [red]- Is this really useful? Seems kind of like a waste?[/red] Also check out part number 27 on that list. That's the headspace gauge. I good thing to have after installing a barrel. [red]- I've been debating this one? It would probably make me feel better but many people think they are a waste on an AR?[/red] Make sure you have the correct roll pin punches. [red]- check, got'em[/red] Some guys like to use a torque wrench, some don't. I did for my first barrel install. After that, I felt good to go kind of by feel. [red]- I plan to use HomoErectis's barrel mounted method so no torque wrench need but I already have one should I change my mind[/red] I use the Bushmaster upper receiver block. Peace River (available at Brownell's) is a nice block too. Screw the barrel block. The receiver block is all you'll need. [red]- cool deal[/red] Oh yea, might as well get a front sight adjustment tool. That makes installing (and adjusting, go figure) the front sight pin very easy. I assume your barrel assembly will already have this installed. I just think while you're ordering tools, you might want to throw one on the order. [red] Yes, already installed but if it's cheap, what the heck? [/red] Use a good, solid vice and take your time with it. Building ARs is a lot of fun. Hope this helps somewhat. [red]- Yes, very helpful. Very much looking forward to this build and the more info the better! [/red] Here is a helpful hint. Know anyone with an FFL (this can include a C&R FFL)? If so, they get a very nice discount at Brownell's. [red] Unfortunately no [:(][/red] [:)] [red]Thanks![/red] |
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The alignment tool, well I was on the fence with that. But for $5, I thought it was worth it. It does actually help verify the holes line up. I'm such MANY ARs are built without this though. Actually, a piece of gas tube would do the same thing. The headspace gauge just gives me peace of mind. I'd hate to have some kind of failure that could have been prevented if I had checked headspace. Again, this is something a lot of the "pros" probably don't use. Your call. HomoErectis is the MAN! I used his method on my last install with the exception of lightly tightening the barrel nut once and then back off it before torque down. I think it does help to seat the threads. Sounds like you are good to go. Hope you enjoy what I'm sure will only be the first of many builds. [;)] |
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