Forgot upper clamshell insert.

[bb223]

Got around to throwing together a rifle with all the extra crap I had in my parts box and everything was going together just fine.

Then, after installing the barrel, I realized I did not use the upper receiver “insert” that supposedly reinforces the upper as you clamp it in a vice to torque the barrel on.

There is no visible damage and it fired and cycled fine but I just wanted to double check that there isn’t some possible issue I’m overlooking after having clamped my upper in the vice the way I did.

Vise block is the Wheeler Engineering Delta Block, typical clamshell type.


Thanks.

[MSW]

When I was first building/servicing my ARs, I never used the insert. It fits fairly loosely & the only way it would engage the upper is if there was significant torque, which I figured would have bent the upper. A friend & fellow ARophile told me I should use it—just in case—so I started using it, when I remember to....sometimes.

You’re fine, IMO.

[556Cliff]

Should be fine as long as you didn't crank the vise super tight. Every time that I've used the insert it fit loose even while the upper was clamped in the vise.

They don't even use the insert at Specialized Armament.

[Iraqgunz]

You are worrying about nothing.