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Posted: 5/1/2014 8:26:35 PM EDT
I'm going to be barreling an AR for the first time (but not new to AR's). My "action block" does not include an "insert". Will this pose a problem? Does anyone else use an action block without an insert? I've heard of some some people using similar ID sockets as an insert, but was wondering, if it's necessary, could one just use a BCG minus the bolt? I just want to make sure I don't twist up my upper. Thank you for any feedback 
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Quoted: I'm going to be barreling an AR for the first time (but not new to AR's). My "action block" does not include an "insert". Will this pose a problem? Does anyone else use an action block without an insert? I've heard of some some people using similar ID sockets as an insert, but was wondering, if it's necessary, could one just use a BCG minus the bolt? I just want to make sure I don't twist up my upper. Thank you for any feedback |
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Quoted:
I'm going to be barreling an AR for the first time (but not new to AR's). My "action block" does not include an "insert". Will this pose a problem? Does anyone else use an action block without an insert? I've heard of some some people using similar ID sockets as an insert, but was wondering, if it's necessary, could one just use a BCG minus the bolt? I just want to make sure I don't twist up my upper. Thank you for any feedback There is another way to do this that you might like better. I know I do. The tool holding the barrel nut is secured in a vise and this tool goes down through the action and locks inside the barrel lugs. With this, there is no stress transmitted through the upper receiver at all. I believe there is a video in this link showing it in use. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/barrel-tools/ar-15-m16-308-ar-barrel-extension-torque-tools-prod27452.aspx?avs|Make_3=AR-15/M4 |
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FWIW the military service manual specifies clamping the barrel, and not the receiver, to change out or install a barrel.
A clamshell block is supposed to have an insert to support the receiver properly, but it is possible to get by without one. A bare bolt carrier is a simple expedient if your block no longer has, or did not come with, an insert. |
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I am willing to bet that if it was truly something to worry about, we would be seeing posts all the time, about Joe blow messing up his upper when he decided to be an at home gunsmith. A lot of places sell the clamshell and it doesn't come with the insert. I didn't even realize they came with the insert until I bought a complete set. Even then, I have rarely used it.
I am pretty sure a LOT of clamshells were sold long before anyone thought to include the insert and charge more money. And if you aren't using the clamshell to install barrels, what else would you use it for? The only other thing I can do with the upper in the clamshell is install the forward assist. |
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I only clamp the barrel when installing a muzzle device so as not to put torque to the barrel pin and not dick things up. I have a Wheeler clam and insert. I only use the insert to align the barrel nut gas tube hole. It does not take much torque to install a barrel and does not take much more to screw up a receiver or barrel pin.
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| I usually use mine. However I have torqued down on an upper with out one and not bent it. I was actually trying to see if I could damage it. I could see not having it aligned properly and damaging your receiver. I also once snapped off an index pin on a particularly obnoxious flash hider once (I call it my bad since it was almost perfectly aligned hand tight and for some reason 1 revolution snapped the pin). I also have bbl clamps for my vice, I just feel like they mar the bbl no mater what I try to do. So answer is if you got it use it if you don't, I would not worry to much. |
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