Most folks make do with tools that they’ve had for years. They may work, but these five tools will make your next build easier than ever.
After filming our new show BUILD BOX, which can be seen every Wednesday evening on the Outdoor Channel, I’ve come to further understand the value of a good vise. The Real Avid Master Gun Vise adjusts for any angle and possesses reversible sleeves to lock guns in place.
Like: The quick adjustments made stood out to above the rest when looking at performance. The Master Vise is a must have for any serious AR builder.
I was surprised more builders don’t lap their upper receivers. If you want to marry the receiver and barrel properly this tool shouldn’t be left out. In the Wheeler Tools AR Receiver Lapping Kit, you get everything needed to finish the job. Just don’t forget to clean up after lapping is complete.
Like: For a true match, lapping just makes sense to have a completely dialed in gun. Do yourself a favor and pick one up.
A staple in every builder’s box is the armorer’s wrench. Wheeler Tools, Midwest Industries, and Brownell’s make great options. However, my favorite is the Magpul AR15 Armorer’s Wrench. Magpul’s version grips tight and doesn’t let go. This is the more expensive option for armorer’s wrenches but totally worth it.
Like: Well, it’s American made to start. This little all-in-one tool delivers everything you’d expect from Magpul and more.
What’s the hardest portion of the AR15 to install? If you didn’t say the pivot pin then you are lying. The Real Avid AR15 Pivot Pin tool makes short work of the hard-to-install element.
Like: The pivot pin tool is almost too simple, which is why I love it. It is easy to use and I can quickly move on to the next piece of the puzzle.
Instead of clamoring for tools, get the complete kit. The Wheeler Tools AR Armorer’s Pro Kit houses everything you need to get an AR put together for a day on the range. I enjoy having everything together in one place.
Like: It’s easy to see why I love this kit. I can put it away with ease. If you’re looking for something different, the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Kit is a solid choice.
These tools make life easier if you want to hustle an AR out the door. I get questions all the time about what are the tricks to building an AR for the first time? The simple answer is the right tools. ~ KJ
KJ
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a different venture often. His early career had him working with one of the finest PR agencies in the outdoor industry – Blue Heron Communications. Before that, KJ molded the minds of business school students at the University of Oklahoma. Quickly learning he had to grow up sometime, KJ dedicated himself to the outdoors no matter what it took.
.png)
.png)
.png)
