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5/9/2017 10:58:33 PM EDT
I'm trying to pick out which Action Block to buy. There are many out there, and for the most part look exactly the same to me. There are the Brownells for 60$, the Aim Sport for 20$, the Wheeler for 25$, and the Pro Mag for 38$. However the Wheeler, and ProMag both have the lower reciever mag well block. I really don't know the difference, and is the extra 40 dollars worth it?
5/9/2017 11:02:32 PM EDT
[#1]
I use the Wheeler. Like it alot.  All I have used.
5/9/2017 11:11:29 PM EDT
[#2]
I have and have used quite a few different clamshell and magazine blocks.  My favorite are the Plastixrevolution.com blocks.  You can get the upper blocks and nagazine block for $26.  Their soft jaw blocks with the V cut work great for holding a barrel in a vice.
5/10/2017 12:42:53 AM EDT
[#3]
I have the Magpul Bev Block, which has upper extension/barrel block and a mag well block.

Works well in a bench vise. 4" vise would do the job.

JPK
5/10/2017 12:58:25 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have the Magpul Bev Block, which has upper extension/barrel block and a mag well block.

Works well in a bench vise. 4" vise would do the job.

JPK
View Quote
My problem with the Bev Block is how I think the locking lugs are going to snap off while I torque the barrel down. Also, I have other caliber's for example 9mm, and I also have carry handle which I think the clam shell design would benefit from.
5/10/2017 1:14:59 AM EDT
[#5]
The plastics revolution ones are all you need, include a lower block, they don't torque the barrel extension, and I got my set for about 20 bucks on ebay a while back.  I have the set that doesn't have the metal receiver pin, that didn't seem necessary.
5/10/2017 9:13:03 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
The plastics revolution ones are all you need, include a lower block, they don't torque the barrel extension, and I got my set for about 20 bucks on ebay a while back.  I have the set that doesn't have the metal receiver pin, that didn't seem necessary.
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I have, use and like these.  They are more universal than the clamshell type. I also have the pro mag clamshell with the lower magwell block.  They are ok with no issues, but I prefer the plastics revolution kit.
I also have several of the squirreldaddy magwell blocks which are priced well, hold up and function well too.
5/11/2017 2:57:24 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:


I have, use and like these.  They are more universal than the clamshell type. I also have the pro mag clamshell with the lower magwell block.  They are ok with no issues, but I prefer the plastics revolution kit.
I also have several of the squirreldaddy magwell blocks which are priced well, hold up and function well too.
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How are they more universal than a clamshell? I'm planning on some retro carry handle builds, and don't think that this design would work. I think I'm pretty much stuck on clamshells now.
5/11/2017 4:14:50 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:


My problem with the Bev Block is how I think the locking lugs are going to snap off while I torque the barrel down. Also, I have other caliber's for example 9mm, and I also have carry handle which I think the clam shell design would benefit from.
View Quote
The spline part for the barrel on the Bev Block is steel. They are not going to snap off. If they do then there are far bigger problems at play then the Bev Block.

If you are going to install and or remove barrels the Bev Block from Magpul would be something to look at as I will order one soon for my next build. Or for double the price you can purchase the Geissele Reaction rod.
5/11/2017 6:55:47 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:

How are they more universal than a clamshell? I'm planning on some retro carry handle builds, and don't think that this design would work. I think I'm pretty much stuck on clamshells now.
View Quote
You can use just the half that pins on.  If you have to torque to 70-80 ft lb, I think you may have issues though. They also work great for just holding the upper for general work, mounting optics, handguards, cleaning etc.  

5/11/2017 7:01:11 AM EDT
[#10]
I've gotten away from blocks altogether, instead I place the barrel in a barrel vise. Never really liked the block, especially if I had to use the upper end of the torque scale.

Barrel vise is all I use in the shop now, and it's all I'll ever use.
5/11/2017 10:43:27 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
I've gotten away from blocks altogether, instead I place the barrel in a barrel vise. Never really liked the block, especially if I had to use the upper end of the torque scale.

Barrel vise is all I use in the shop now, and it's all I'll ever use.
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tarfu      I'm leaning that way also.....which one do you use ??   maybe a pic ??

thanks
5/11/2017 12:25:45 PM EDT
[#12]
Attached File


Here is an example, I use the Brownells vise. I make my own barrel bushings from aluminum.
5/11/2017 1:07:26 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/23238/IMG-2014-206263.JPG

Here is an example, I use the Brownells vise. I make my own barrel bushings from aluminum.
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Thank You Sir,  your set up looks sooooooo much better than clamping the receiver in the vice, this is exactly what I am looking for.   Thanks so much for the info and the pic.     Not able to do my own aluminum....but I think I can do a soft wood.........Thanks again
5/11/2017 3:05:23 PM EDT
[#14]
I use a clamshell, and the Block Worx from Spikes. The clamshell came with a plastic 'BCG' insert that is supposed to support the inside of the receiver. It works with either block. Both work for putting on a barrel, if you do it wrong like most of us do. The clamshell doesn't hold the upper as tightly, but the Block Worx are harder to keep from moving/shifting in a vise when you are really cranking on that 'assembled with threadlocker' shit from some companies.

The Block Worx is nice for holding the upper while you are pinning the forward assist.

The Plastix Revolution sets on eBay are a lot cheaper than the Block Worx were. I bought one of the Plastix lower blocks after I couldn't find my old one. It seems fine.

Barrel vise with a torque wrench is still the correct way. Kudos for those who do it right.
5/11/2017 3:14:06 PM EDT
[#15]
Kley-Zion Barrel Spline.  Similar to Geisselle reaction rod but way cheaper.
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