Experience with AR Build "Reaction Rod"?

[Psode27]

I got the knockoff from botach, I love mine. It's rock solid, and super quick to put an upper on or take one off. I'd buy it all over again.
It still doesn't completely replace the clamshell type. Still need it for 9mm or 22lr uppers.

 

[rvb]

What blocks/tools do you experienced folks use for torquing 9mm barrels?

I use a block similar to this for all barrels of all calibers....

I put the upper in the vice sideways, with a block of wood along the top rail. so it's not really torqueing on the pins.
I like the idea of the reaction rod, and if I didn't already have the tools, it'd probably start there. but I don't see a need to upgrade.

-rvb

 

[bwframe]

Thanks RVB. My block that looks similar to that one but fits deeper up into the upper. My side charging NewFrontier upper won't fit over it enough to use the pins. Your sideways vise tip would have worked out well, had I not barrelled the upper yesterday. I got it done holding the upper down on the block with one hand and torquing with the other.

 

[rvb]

Thanks RVB. My block that looks similar to that one but fits deeper up into the upper. My side charging NewFrontier upper won't fit over it enough to use the pins. Your sideways vise tip would have worked out well, had I not barrelled the upper yesterday. I got it done holding the upper down on the block with one hand and torquing with the other.

HA! well, I tried to help, I guess I need to pop into this forum more frequently!
don't be afraid to modify the vice blocks. I've filed and cut on mine a few times to get them to work with different parts.
-rvb

 

[mammynun]

I have the Geissele (AR-15) and the Brownell (AR-10) version, and I prefer the way the Geissele has flats that get held by the vice, if I used the Brownell more often I'd weld a piece of bar stock into the hole in the rear. I haven't used the BEV as I bought the reaction rod(s) before it was released but it looks like a viable option. The clamshell works fine till you want to build anything other than a standard M4 flattop; then you have to mod the clamshell which risks applying uneven pressure.

 

[sig1473]

Do any of you have experience with a "reaction rod" instead of using an jig on an upper with a clamp? Looks like an ingenious upgrade. Giessele makes one that gets rave reviews:

Geissele Reaction Rod AR-15 Vise Block Steel

Thoughts?

I have one and I'm close by if you want to check it out. I've done 20+ builds with it in the past 1 1/2 years I've had it. No complaints whatsoever. I also have a clamshell that really doesn't see much action anymore. I might pick up a BEV Block since they are cheap.