The Marine maintenance manual shows the use of a barrel clamp when removing the barrel nut from the upper receiver.  After comparing this approach to the use of a receiver clamp, it seems like the barrel clamp would cause a lot of strain on the index pin, since it is the only thing preventing the upper from turning.  The only use I can think of for a barrel clamp would be while removing the front sight block.  Am I missing something?

They been using barrel vise since the rifle came about, almost 35+ years ago...all branches of service, only in the last few years have people been making receiver blocks.


Decide for yourself.

barrel.  little round piece of steel

upper.  big "square" hunk of aluminum.

The barrel nut screws onto the upper, not the barrel. Therefore, technically, it's better to hold the upper when screwing a barrel nut onto it.

Better ideas *do* come along. Otherwise we'd be here talking at "www.flintlocks.com"

[:)]

Nope, you're not missing anything.  In fact, you're keenly observant.  The receiver blocks put much less strain on the index pin and the slot in the upper receiver.

Don't believe everything you read in the Marine Corps. Technical Manuals, especially when it comes to torque wrenches.  [}:D]