I highly recommend splined reaction/action rod to lock with barrel lugs when tightening/torquing the barrel nut (30-35 ft-lbs) to eliminate stressing the upper receiver - https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/ar-15-barrel-installation-doing-it-right/action rod thing that sits in the upper during barrel install are my best recommendations. Brownells or Midway USA have them all.I have not built a complete upper AR before.
what tool kit would you folks recommend on to getting going?
^^^I wouldn't buy a kit, too much stuff you'll never need and not enough of what you will need. Trial and error has gotten me to this point.
Been looking up AR builds and they pretty much use what’s on that list. I’m research on the Reaction Rods now. Looks like it very handle tool^^^
That was my path to what I own.
Yes it is.I’m research on the Reaction Rods now. Looks like it very handle tool
Never used one, but they're handy indeed. I use the Magpul BEV Block; it does the same, just a different procedure.Been looking up AR builds and they pretty much use what’s on that list. I’m research on the Reaction Rods now. Looks like it very handle tool
I almost bought the Magpul block as it uses the same principle as reaction/action rod. I decided on the reaction rod for easier mounting/unmounting as barrel/upper receiver simply slide on and off the splines.Never used one, but they're handy indeed. I use the Magpul BEV Block; it does the same, just a different procedure.
BEV is used for upper and lower receivers' assembly. Saves some money, while doing the same as the RR.I almost bought the Magpul block as it uses the same principle as reaction/action rod. I decided on the reaction rod for easier mounting/unmounting as barrel/upper receiver simply slide on and off the splines.
for the lower? I have done 5-7 lower and learned ticks on not letting them fly out everywhereYou might want a detent spring tool and spare detents and springs. I am sure I have spares in some corner of my shop that I will never find.
Midwest plus any needed crowfoot, depending on barrel nut.Talk to me about wrenches? What do you guys like?
Those videos on accurizing lost my attention on part 2 when he promotes the "Accu-Wedge." - A complete waste of money and I wouldn't put one in any rifle I own.While this link isn't about tools... the 4 videos do help show assm. tricks geared towards improving accuracy ( precision really )
https://criterionbarrels.com/media/accurizing-the-ar-15-video-series/?v=7516fd43adaa
Since the OP was about uppers, I think we can assume he is already all set on lower assembly, which is where nearly every starts.
Since the OP was about uppers, I think we can assume he is already all set on lower assembly, which is where nearly every starts.
I’m good with the lower, even learned how to polish the important parts and tigger spring combo’s and such.I included lowers in my reply since we never know who will be reading the thread looking for information.