Reaction Rod vs Vise Block

[DireWolf]

Ok, so pretty sure that I'm either missing something or have some incorrect assumptions regarding the reaction rod vs vice block argument, and was hoping someone could help enlighten me....

I understand the risks of putting stress on the receiver when mounted in a vise block and torquing a barrel on/off , and have seen a number of references to reaction rods removing that stress point by locking with the barrel extension and remaining inline with the torque.

Whats a bit unclear to me is that since the barrel nut is actually torqued onto the receiver and just presses the barrel/extension into place, wouldn't using a reaction rod increase risk of damage by placing all of that force onto the index pin slot on the receiver (much lower suface area to distribute that force than the vice block), and potentially causing the receiver to twist/deform at the index pin (small steel pressure point on Aluminum surface)? At least with the vise-block, while the torque is offset, the points are fixed on both sides (e.g. both the nut as well as the mated part) as well as spread out over more surface area....

Can anyone help clear this up?

Thanks!


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[Great-Kazoo]

. I and others use a Vise Block this type. You are correct regarding the torque issues when using a rod for torquing nut to receiver.
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.Md5448311d2a8ee7befb22705f9f1fd5eo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=186&h=163

Not this one
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M4e7a93046258622a1f5150248c890e3bo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=205&h=156
when installing a barrel to upper.

I use a reaction rod when doing m/brakes or flash hiders. Also aligning float tubes AFTER the bbl has been torqued. I use the rod in conjunction with a carry handle to gibe me the room to insure the alignment of upper to tube rails are correct.
The rod isn't used as much as the vise block, it does however see a fair amount of use.

IF you get a reaction rod, spend the xtra $$ on one with flats. The generic brownells doesn't have them.
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M3b17c4d5c5ef9ec414c9c4c1c64160d4o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/barrel-tools/ar-15-m16-reaction-rod-prod55168.aspx
(http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/barrel-tools/ar-15-m16-reaction-rod-prod55168.aspx)

[SA Friday]

Magpul Bev Block. Uses a BCG through the back to align the upper. Better than all the rest. It locks in the barrel extension and the upper. Flip it over and it works like a lower block.

[XC700116]

I personally use a vice block like the one Kazoo posted (the top pic) for torquing the barrel and I use a barrel vise for muzzle devices and other high torque items on the barrel.

And yes using just a reaction rod to torque a barrel jut does indeed place all that pressure on the location pin only.

[DireWolf]

Thanks guys, that perspective helps reinforce my understanding of the issue.

Working with muzzle devices was what I assumed would be the best use of the reaction rod, especially for short barrels with nowhere easy to grip with a barrel vice....

I actually have been using sets similar to this one in both AR15 and AR10 variants, but thats mainly been due to some billet sets with manufacturer warnings against using clamshells:



https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M4e7a93046258622a1f5150248c890e3bo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=205&h=156




Magpul Bev Block. Uses a BCG through the back to align the upper. Better than all the rest. It locks in the barrel extension and the upper. Flip it over and it works like a lower block.

I remember seeing these when they came out but had completely forgotten about it, thanks for the reminder.....just ordered one, looking forward to seeing how well it works.....

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