I have a pre-ban Eagle EA-15A2 heavy barrel rifle. I’ve owned it new since 1993 and have always loved it’s accuracy, which is shooting around a 1.25" MOA for me on a handguard mounted harris bi-pod. It’s still box stock except for cheap Isreali picatiny handguards.
I’m ready to do some upgrades, with the first order of business being an A3 upper reciever. I considered just buying a complete stag upper, but funds are tight and I love the accuracy of my barrel, so I think I’ll just do a slow build-up. The CMT uppers look pretty good for the price, so unless there is a significant reason to spend more money on an upper, that’s the one I plan on going with.
I’ve been browsing online for gunsmithing tools required to swap the upper, but I want to make sure everything goes smooth and I don’t forget any tools I’ll need to do the job. I was hoping one or more of you buildup vets could provide a list of tools required /and or suggested to do the job. Brand suggestions and even online reseller links would be very welcome (with preference for m4carbine.net sponcers, of course!). Links to other posts here or on sister sites regarding this issue would also be welcome. I’m thinking a reference manual for this work would be a good thing as well, so If you have any suggestions on that, please advise!
I assume my 14 year old barrel has A2/3 feed ramps/cuts (vs M4), so I plan on going with the A3 upper unless their is a strong reason to add the M4 extensions, etc.
Thanks in advance for your support of a new member! If I am posting this in the wrong area, or missed posts regarding this issue, please have mercy!
My favorites:
Bench Vise (Ohio Forge at Home Depot is ok)
Upper Block (Brownell’s Peace River clamping style)
USGI wrench (got mine from Bushmaster)
Torque wrench (Craftsman in foot/lbs with the adjuster, not the needle)
Punches (Starret 1/16" from Brownells or Bushmaster–roll pin starter punches from Adco are good to have too)
Hammer (little brass one)
Front Sight block (orange one from Brownells)
Kroil (to help loosen the gas tube from the front sight base)
Gas Tube tool (from Brownells) makes removing the gas tube easier than using a set of pliers
A CMT flattop upper is good. CMT and RRA run about the same price (and are, perhaps, the same except for the RRA logo). Neither will have feed ramps to worry with. Armalite/Eagle will have feed ramps in the upper, so you may not want that unless you rebarrel as well.
If you’re only going to be working on one or two guns, buying all the tools isn’t cost effective.
Good suggestions but why the orange front sight block?
I don’t think he’s replacing the FSB with an F marked one and shouldn’t need to lie the barrel down on that block for banging out pins. That’s the only reason I know of for the block but it doesn’t mean you don’t know more.
You’re right. You don’t need the block for a simple upper change.
As I was typing, I was beginning to add optional items and lost my train of thought.
Thanks for the advise & input so far!
As for cost effectiveness, I’ve got all the non-AR-specific tools I need, including bench, vice, dial-tourqe wrench, punches, hammers, etc. and a reasonable journyman level of gunsmithing skills.
$100-$150 in AR tools seems like a good long term investment to me since I do plan on upgrading the entire rifle’s components to higher-end stuff over time…plus I’m sure any AR gunsmith (which seem rare where I live) would be looking to charge me $100 or so just to swap the upper receiver out. As a Jeep hobbiest, I’ve found that it’s better to buy a $30 tool to do the job right than to damage a $200 part trying to do it wrong! I don’t mind spending $35 on that front sight block tool since I’ll probably end up removing that thing a few times in the next year.
So, you think the clamping style upper block tool:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=22385&s=
is better for what I’m doing than the takedown pin style?
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=17094&title=AR-15+UPPER+RECEIVER+BLOCK
Oh…I guess I should replace my gas tube, while I have it off, yes?
Thanks again for the help!
If you like, get both blocks. I like the top clamping block for barrel changes and flash suppressor installations. The DPMS upper holder is good for mounting scopes and such. You can rebarrel with it, though.
Replacing the gas tube is your call. I probably wouldn’t, but would definitely clean the carbon off of it, with a green scrubby pad.
I understand what you mean about buying tools. We have some shops here that will work on AR15s, but I was impatient in waiting 1-3 weeks for a turnaround. AR15s are simple enough to work on if you have any mechanical skills (that is, can change a tire on a car without breaking something) and understand how parts work together.
Get yourself the Army maintenance manual that many folks offer for sale (or you may find it online for free). It has all the right torque values for things. Another book that is decent is the one that Walt Kuleck and Clint McKee put out a couple of years ago. Last, if so inclined, get yourself to an armorer’s class like the one Sully teaches at Defensive Edge.net.
Good suggestions -
I prefer the DPMS clamping tool for rebarreling.