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12/12/2011 2:22:23 PM EDT
Are all upper receivers created equal?  I was planning on re barreling my Armalite when I heard a crack while loosening the factory barrel nut.  The nut was pretty tight but I didn't think I was putting enough torque on it to break the receiver.  Just wondering if I should buy another Armalite receiver or go with another brand.  Anyone ever have this happen?  This is a first for me and Iv'e even worked with barrels that had lock tight on them with out damaging receivers.
12/12/2011 2:54:52 PM EDT
[#1]
You can't go wrong with the upper receivers from BCM, however, most receivers are about the same.
12/12/2011 3:12:40 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Are all upper receivers created equal?  I was planning on re barreling my Armalite when I heard a crack while loosening the factory barrel nut.  The nut was pretty tight but I didn't think I was putting enough torque on it to break the receiver.  Just wondering if I should buy another Armalite receiver or go with another brand.  Anyone ever have this happen?  This is a first for me and Iv'e even worked with barrels that had lock tight on them with out damaging receivers.


You heard it crack but did you actually see a crack?

I'm not an expert, but I would inspect the upper first and see if you didn't just hear some LocTite or a tight part letting go or your vice block settling in.
12/12/2011 6:04:32 PM EDT
[#3]
What upper block are you using?   Was it a DPMS Claw?
12/13/2011 11:48:41 AM EDT
[#4]
Yes there is a visible crack in the receiver.  It is also slightly twisted, to the point that the ejection port cover no longer closes.  It was not in a DPMS claw but i do own one.
12/13/2011 11:54:00 AM EDT
[#5]
Which block?
12/13/2011 12:05:11 PM EDT
[#6]
Not sure what brand it is but it is the clam shell type.
12/13/2011 5:06:03 PM EDT
[#7]
I just got a Vltor upper from primary arms that I am very happy with. By the looks it looks a lot stronger than your average upper. Primary arms had the cheapest price I could find and the shipping was fast I got everything for about 185.00
12/14/2011 10:05:41 AM EDT
[#8]
VLTOR upper probably won't fit into the clamshell block.

New time, use a filler rod, perhaps a dowel from the hardware store, to support the inside of the receiver.
12/14/2011 2:42:13 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
VLTOR upper probably won't fit into the clamshell block.

New time, use a filler rod, perhaps a dowel from the hardware store, to support the inside of the receiver.


I typically leave the bolt carrier in the upper when loosening the barrel nut.  I was really excited when I got my barrel in and forgot this detail.  I ended up buying all the stuff to build an entirely new upper.  Now I have a barrel and bolt carrier with <1000 rounds for my spare parts bin.  later it will be an excuse to spend more money on another build so I can put those parts to use.
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