I would value a video featuring your recommended products and tools for DIYer's and amateur smiths. Friends and family tend to have me perform work since I enjoy learning the most and doing so correctly, so collecting the tools necessary would be invaluable. Thanks!
Midwest Industries always has good stuff. I own several products from them. This caught my eye about a week ago and I will definitely purchase one. I currently use the Real Avid AR15 Master Bench Block and it has served me well.
i will say this, you are the best, most informative instructor i have ran across!!! i have been watching your videos for a few months and i cant wait to come and take a class. I will have to stay vigilant on checking for class releases because i know you sold entire 2022 season in like 3 hours or something like that
I could have used that Wheeler charging handle support recently while replacing the lever on a CMMG 22arc charging handle with a Strike extended lever. I cracked the handle when setting the pin. I didn’t know there was such a tool! Thanks.
I've done five builds without these tools ,but they will definitely make those jobs easier .I always sweat putting in the trigger guard roll pin .I'm getting one !!
Your videos are always educational, someone that cannot see a different view and learn, even an expert, is very closed minded. I have learned a lot about my builds because of your views. Now I feel that I was very lucky that they worked out, but if issues arise, I will turn to you, the Headmaster of the American Rifle School. The semiautomatic center fire rifle.
I just ordered one of these, I have a few ARs that I bought already assembled but I’ve now purchased 3 lowers that I’m building for the first time from scratch I have everything I need but I needed something like this to make the job easier! I’m hoping it does!
I'm liking the look of that Midwest Industries block. Currently I use the Real Avid master bench block. Unique design and easy to use. Plus it has a cut out for bolt disassembly.
I don’t do a lot of gunsmithing any more but I do have both a 5.56 and a 308 and may need one. I am also interested in their dual wrench. I have the blocks on the way. Thanks for the demo.
So i'm new to the AR scene and this is the first time i've seen a block like this. If you put together a video of you using this block i would definitely watch it (i know i can just search how to use a bench block) I've learned a lot from your videos, super appreciate the educational videos.
I'm a big fan of MI, used to do vids for them in the beginning. As far as a factory wrench, being the standard barrel nut, I have 2 of the Smith Enterprise wrenches, I use the included barrel nut wrenches with the MI handguards...
Real avid has one similar to this, but has a place for the bolt so you can remove the ejectors. Has a knob on it that turns to compress the ejector spring to instal/remove the pin. I’ve thought of grabbing one for that main reason.
@@goinhot9133 I bought their master kit, it's definitely got a few pieces of filler crap (chamber flag, plastic picks) and I prefer to use a click-type torque wrench, but I'm very satisfied with the included tools , and it's nice to have a dedicated kit so I don't misplace anything.
That low profile gas block feature would (and will) make it worth it for me alone. I've had an absolute bear of a time dealing with low pros in the past and was wanting something to make it easier.
Only thing I didn't like about the Midwest block was the hole for the trigger guard pin wasn't drilled all the way through for when you drive the pin out. Not a major thing, but my opinion.
Almost bought one of these when they were released but I already have Squirrel Daddy lower & Upper blocks so I passed.. Midwest is where I've went for my last 3 handguards and my latest build I used their Enhanced BCG which I was told is Radians Enhanced BCG just rebranded for MI. I've used their Upper Receiver Rod more times then I can count and their qd scope mounts have also been gtg. I also upgraded my last free float rail with their Titanium Barrel Nut & screws. Great products that have always been quality at a affordable price IMO.
Just picked mine up. Been waiting for them to get released. Going to school at SDI and have my advanced armorer class coming up in a few weeks. Def gonna come in handy.
Sotar. Do you have any more autopsy or spec videos coming out soon . They are very much appreciated when they are put out. It is always nice to see different company’s parts and specs. The hard work you and your wife put in is very much appreciated. The shop cat is a welcomed sight when he makes an appearance too. Have a good Christmas
I was sold on the gas block feature! Like u said other fixtures only work on the regular lo pro gas block. But I have a few gas blocks that are either longer or adjustable and none fit. It took me 2 lower receiver blocks and 1 gas block fixture before I found this one. No more coming up with mickey mouse bs contraptions, end up scratching and marring my gas blocks for me!
I suppose it's all about what you are doing. I regularly take apart charging handles because I have to strip them down for Cerakote. It's not quite as fancy but I use a hockey puck with a hole milled in it.
Thanks for the video , glad to see that there are holders/ jigs for the large frame platform. I figured there were but never really looked that hard. Do you have part numbers for the blocks and do the wrenches fit both the large and small platforms
Will the jig allow for clamp on style low profile gas blocks? (i.e. Daniel defense) I do a lot of long range shooting and don't want to use set screws in my gas block for these set ups. I only use set screws on a defensive rifle which is also pinned to the barrel.
I just got my MI SR URR. Got tired of waiting on KAC to get their knightstick out. I was told "2 weeks" almost one year ago. Everytime we'd ask, it was radio silence.
I just changed the charging handle lever out on a PSA PA-10 upper...no fancy jig tho i did it on my lap. Definitely not something i mess with often but its not the 1st time ive swapped levers out. With all the ambi's on the market tho it wouldnt help a gunsmithing business much in that sense tho so i can understand it not being a thing MI would worry about these days lol
90 degrees is correct, there’s a very good explanation given by “the workshop” on this topic discussing & demonstrating how angles and offsets work with torque wrenches & the physics behind it.
@@edwinlongwell that’s actually what he is, & has a impressive resume of experience. Everything from CAD engine designing, FA testing, etc. but mostly focuses on explaining & correcting bad information out out by others. Which is what led to his video on this, someone incorrectly saying/explaining it doesn’t matter on UA-cam. But he does a really good job of explaining/demonstrating really hard to understand concepts to us non mechanical engineers usually on the topic of engines.
Midwest has such good products, but I have had the absolute worse experience with the build quality of complete Midwest rifles, getting to know customer service really well lately and it’s been top notch. Above and beyond what should have been done in many cases, I just wish the builders over there would take a SOTAR class or two.
About to do my first ever build. Still trying to figure out what type of vice block/reaction Rod to use and for which parts of the process (barrel nut, muzzle device, buffer tube) and also trying to figure out if I should be putting loctite anywhere (barrel nut? Buffer tube threads? Loctite 609 on barrel extension?)
Great video- i love MidWest !!! Any way can you recommend a solid all around armorer wrench- i have a UTG and it doesn't really fit well. what would you suggest to invest in??- you said that you were not pushing the wrench in this video and was only doing a review, right? ( keeping the Geissele products out of the equation )
Do you inspect ar 10 bolts? I have one that seems to have an extractor issue, not sure what though. It let's go of 3 or so rounds out of every 10, either fails to extract out of the chamber or the extractor will drop the round onto of the mag before it can eject.
I've had the Tapco wrench slip and cut my hand on the "screwdriver" end of the wrench multiple times. I wish Midwest had put their wrench out prior to Tapco.
how Ironic..... you put this video out as I am looking up new lower receiver vise blocks.... I may or may not have snapped mine in half while torquing (to spec) the castle nut... will not state the brand name, but in its defense it was about 15 years old and probably had some stress fractures already.... looks like another MI tool to add to my growing arsenal of ar tools.... I bought their URR, over the geisele one based on you're "recomendation" of which URR is your favorite. and it makes sense. now to go buy a new armorers tool also cause I can never remember the torque specs LOL.
This block isn't for torquing castle nuts, It's just for assembling stripped lowers. For that you will want a Viceblox Lock & Hold. Made of aluminum and actually expands and locks into the magwell so there is no slop.
Just curious what the .308 Urr does, is it to help with alignment of everything? Or is it some sort of go-no-go gauge? If anyone has answers I’d love to hear them
It's for installing the barrel nut by interfacing with the barrel extension to keep stress off of the upper receiver, also it has an alignment key for the charging handle slot in the upper receiver to further reduce chances of barrel extension alignment pin stress or upper receiver rotation during the final torque phase, it's like a perfected "geissele reaction rod" if you are familiar with that tool 👍
*also for removing barrel nuts as well 😁 this just happens to be the .308 "large frame" version vs. the regular AR-15 version which I believe he's covered along with the other common types in past videos, it's definitely my favorite design, well worth the cost👍
The reaction rod inserts into the barrel extension/lugs where the bcg seats. This way it is taking all the stress while torquing the barrel nut or even torquing/positioning a muzzle device. When using a clamp on the upper receiver all that torque stress is on the receiver itself. Depending on the clamping mechanism it could twist or sometimes even break an upper receiver. I’ve done some with just clamps but I was vary cautious torquing the barrel but, and maybe some luck. I finally bought a device that engages the barrel extension, and they are worth it. Just depends on how many times you’re going to be using it. Or if you’re unlucky enough to break or twist an upper and have to replace it. Also useful if you ever need to remove a barrel nut but that’s been on awhile. Some are really expensive. Magpul makes a decent one for the ar15 platform but not the 308/ar10 platform.
As stated, when removing a barrel nut that has been installed for a long time, the barrel nut can be seized to the barrel and start rotating in the upper receiver and the barrel pin can break the upper receiver as it spins with the barrel and nut. The sail offers resistance against the barrel rotating in the upper receiver.
@@reddune6185 yup totally agree. All depends on the risks you’re willing to take to save some money. Replacing an upper a time or two will more than make up the cost of whichever tool you get.
The strain on the index pin is the key. If the barrel nut is one of the more modern style that don't need to be timed to allow the gas tube alignment then the torque (strain on the index pin) could be at the low end of the torque range and thus the reaction style rods could work with very little risk(I hope). Of course the reaction style rod with the sail is superior to one without, but is it always necessary?
@@ratroute8238 no I guess it isn’t always necessary. If I had to get one tool I guess I’d choose the one with a device to prevent barrel rotation and not put unneeded stress on that pin. You just don’t necessarily know when it would be needed. It’s your build, however a person chooses to put it together is their business. As long as it is safe to use and fire have had it. I’ve seen ar’s put together using wood blocks, nothing fancy, no special tools and they worked flawlessly. I’m not here to say anyone is doing it wrong. There is always more than one way to skin a cat! If you build it, take pride in doing it yourself, learn from it on the next builds. Enjoy your constitutional right to bear arms.
Those wrenches are sweet. That’s one product where Magpul really dropped the ball.. This one has an open-ended barrel nut wrench and a socket hole on both ends, whereas the magpul wrenchi has a closed barrel nut wrench (wtf?) that must be aligned vertically to the buffer tube to even put the damn thing on, and only one socket hole located at the barrel nut wrench end. Just a pain in the ass to use and not cheap. At least they got the bottle opener right, tho 🙄. This MI looks like quite an improvement.
I like that the Mid west wrench has torque specs on it too. Love mine.
Castel nut? :D I love mine!
I would value a video featuring your recommended products and tools for DIYer's and amateur smiths. Friends and family tend to have me perform work since I enjoy learning the most and doing so correctly, so collecting the tools necessary would be invaluable. Thanks!
hear, hear
Yes. A must-have or minimum tools needed to get it done.
A big yes to this as well.
Your videos are always educational. I thought I knew a few things until I found your channel. I have re-thought many things. Thank you.
Midwest is awesome... love their products.
Midwest Industries always has good stuff. I own several products from them. This caught my eye about a week ago and I will definitely purchase one. I currently use the Real Avid AR15 Master Bench Block and it has served me well.
I’ve never had a bad experience with any of their parts, quite the opposite.
i will say this, you are the best, most informative instructor i have ran across!!! i have been watching your videos for a few months and i cant wait to come and take a class. I will have to stay vigilant on checking for class releases because i know you sold entire 2022 season in like 3 hours or something like that
Midwest Industries is my go-to for AR tools, they are great!
I could have used that Wheeler charging handle support recently while replacing the lever on a CMMG 22arc charging handle with a Strike extended lever. I cracked the handle when setting the pin. I didn’t know there was such a tool! Thanks.
I've done five builds without these tools ,but they will definitely make those jobs easier .I always sweat putting in the trigger guard roll pin .I'm getting one !!
Your videos are always educational, someone that cannot see a different view and learn, even an expert, is very closed minded. I have learned a lot about my builds because of your views. Now I feel that I was very lucky that they worked out, but if issues arise, I will turn to you, the Headmaster of the American Rifle School. The semiautomatic center fire rifle.
I just ordered one of these, I have a few ARs that I bought already assembled but I’ve now purchased 3 lowers that I’m building for the first time from scratch I have everything I need but I needed something like this to make the job easier! I’m hoping it does!
I'm liking the look of that Midwest Industries block. Currently I use the Real Avid master bench block. Unique design and easy to use. Plus it has a cut out for bolt disassembly.
I don’t do a lot of gunsmithing any more but I do have both a 5.56 and a 308 and may need one. I am also interested in their dual wrench. I have the blocks on the way. Thanks for the demo.
So i'm new to the AR scene and this is the first time i've seen a block like this.
If you put together a video of you using this block i would definitely watch it (i know i can just search how to use a bench block)
I've learned a lot from your videos, super appreciate the educational videos.
Thanks again for sharing knowledge and wisdom!
I'm a big fan of MI, used to do vids for them in the beginning. As far as a factory wrench, being the standard barrel nut, I have 2 of the Smith Enterprise wrenches, I use the included barrel nut wrenches with the MI handguards...
Thank you for these products reviews!
I wish I knew about their 308 AR lower block 2 weeks ago. I did get a Midwest Industries lower receiver rod and I love it!
I like the fact that the wrench has torque specs stamped right onto it.
Would like to see some 308 videos. On gauging and the specs on uppers and lowers.
At this time, my data is not comprehensive enough to do videos about large frame ar's. Too many variables.
Which one AR-10 or LR-308? 😀
Real avid has one similar to this, but has a place for the bolt so you can remove the ejectors. Has a knob on it that turns to compress the ejector spring to instal/remove the pin. I’ve thought of grabbing one for that main reason.
I have one and I absolutely love it, it does literally everything except torquing the barrel nut.
@@supersexyfatguy they have a few tools I’m interested in, including the “lug-Lok upper vise block” , but the metal one from Midwest looks better.
@@goinhot9133 I bought their master kit, it's definitely got a few pieces of filler crap (chamber flag, plastic picks) and I prefer to use a click-type torque wrench, but I'm very satisfied with the included tools , and it's nice to have a dedicated kit so I don't misplace anything.
That low profile gas block feature would (and will) make it worth it for me alone. I've had an absolute bear of a time dealing with low pros in the past and was wanting something to make it easier.
I’ve used the MI reaction rod on several different builds and by far it is an awesome tool to use
Only thing I didn't like about the Midwest block was the hole for the trigger guard pin wasn't drilled all the way through for when you drive the pin out. Not a major thing, but my opinion.
And I'm just over here 'hey, they put a bottle opener on there!'
Almost bought one of these when they were released but I already have Squirrel Daddy lower & Upper blocks so I passed.. Midwest is where I've went for my last 3 handguards and my latest build I used their Enhanced BCG which I was told is Radians Enhanced BCG just rebranded for MI. I've used their Upper Receiver Rod more times then I can count and their qd scope mounts have also been gtg. I also upgraded my last free float rail with their Titanium Barrel Nut & screws. Great products that have always been quality at a affordable price IMO.
At twenty beans each I just ordered two from PA! One will make a great Christmas gift.
Just picked mine up. Been waiting for them to get released. Going to school at SDI and have my advanced armorer class coming up in a few weeks. Def gonna come in handy.
Those blocks look fabulous... I really need to buy some
Sotar. Do you have any more autopsy or spec videos coming out soon . They are very much appreciated when they are put out. It is always nice to see different company’s parts and specs. The hard work you and your wife put in is very much appreciated. The shop cat is a welcomed sight when he makes an appearance too. Have a good Christmas
I was sold on the gas block feature! Like u said other fixtures only work on the regular lo pro gas block. But I have a few gas blocks that are either longer or adjustable and none fit. It took me 2 lower receiver blocks and 1 gas block fixture before I found this one. No more coming up with mickey mouse bs contraptions, end up scratching and marring my gas blocks for me!
For the algo and great information!
I suppose it's all about what you are doing. I regularly take apart charging handles because I have to strip them down for Cerakote. It's not quite as fancy but I use a hockey puck with a hole milled in it.
Thanks for the input. 👍
Love my Midwest products…… my go to period
Nice! I think I will like get both of those.
Good video
Great video review...hope you feel better!
Most companies that make the wrenches factor in the angle and distance when making them. The really good ones tell you on the tool
Thanks for the video , glad to see that there are holders/ jigs for the large frame platform. I figured there were but never really looked that hard. Do you have part numbers for the blocks and do the wrenches fit both the large and small platforms
Good info.
Thank you for the info.
I’ve already got the URR from MI. Might need this as well
I used a piece of plywood as a mag well block and two 2'x4''s as a barrel clamp. They work just fine...
Hello, have you used the MagPul Wrench? It's one of my go-to wrenches and it's also built well. Thank you for the info!
Midwest rifles are equally awesome as well. It's all I buy now.
Midwest, Aero, and Expo (Owned by Primary Arms) have been making me go broke this passed year!
I love the Real Avid master block.
I watch Chad's videos because his voice is so soothing.
Will the jig allow for clamp on style low profile gas blocks? (i.e. Daniel defense) I do a lot of long range shooting and don't want to use set screws in my gas block for these set ups. I only use set screws on a defensive rifle which is also pinned to the barrel.
I just got my MI SR URR. Got tired of waiting on KAC to get their knightstick out. I was told "2 weeks" almost one year ago. Everytime we'd ask, it was radio silence.
I need one of these
I hope these become useful again in Canada... Or else I'm moving south.
I just changed the charging handle lever out on a PSA PA-10 upper...no fancy jig tho i did it on my lap. Definitely not something i mess with often but its not the 1st time ive swapped levers out. With all the ambi's on the market tho it wouldnt help a gunsmithing business much in that sense tho so i can understand it not being a thing MI would worry about these days lol
90 degrees is correct, there’s a very good explanation given by “the workshop” on this topic discussing & demonstrating how angles and offsets work with torque wrenches & the physics behind it.
Every Mechanical Engineering student learns the math involved in why 90 is correct. Their first or second year.
@@edwinlongwell that’s actually what he is, & has a impressive resume of experience. Everything from CAD engine designing, FA testing, etc. but mostly focuses on explaining & correcting bad information out out by others. Which is what led to his video on this, someone incorrectly saying/explaining it doesn’t matter on UA-cam. But he does a really good job of explaining/demonstrating really hard to understand concepts to us non mechanical engineers usually on the topic of engines.
Is the Midwest thin enough to slip into the groove on surefire muzzle devices? I've found issues with some wrenches being too thick.
Midwest has such good products, but I have had the absolute worse experience with the build quality of complete Midwest rifles, getting to know customer service really well lately and it’s been top notch. Above and beyond what should have been done in many cases, I just wish the builders over there would take a SOTAR class or two.
About to do my first ever build. Still trying to figure out what type of vice block/reaction Rod to use and for which parts of the process (barrel nut, muzzle device, buffer tube) and also trying to figure out if I should be putting loctite anywhere (barrel nut? Buffer tube threads? Loctite 609 on barrel extension?)
Rockset on muzzle device. Use aeroshell 33ms on castle and barrel threads. Properly torqued stuff doesn't need loctite on the AR
Great video- i love MidWest !!! Any way can you recommend a solid all around armorer wrench- i have a UTG and it doesn't really fit well. what would you suggest to invest in??- you said that you were not pushing the wrench in this video and was only doing a review, right? ( keeping the Geissele products out of the equation )
Do you inspect ar 10 bolts? I have one that seems to have an extractor issue, not sure what though. It let's go of 3 or so rounds out of every 10, either fails to extract out of the chamber or the extractor will drop the round onto of the mag before it can eject.
I found this video educational.
Midwest Holla at your boy over here lol just 1 of everything would be noce
i would love to take a class someday
Bought both their upper receiver rods because of your video. Great price and really bad.
If I didn't already have the Magpul Zev block and wrench I'd be all over these. Very innovative.
::whispers:: Buy them anyway... :D
I've had the Tapco wrench slip and cut my hand on the "screwdriver" end of the wrench multiple times. I wish Midwest had put their wrench out prior to Tapco.
Same. I cut it off with a grinder and rounded the end after first blood. Probably why my coworker sold it to me.
Is Tapco still around ? I used to get their flyers in the mail but haven't received one in years.
how Ironic..... you put this video out as I am looking up new lower receiver vise blocks....
I may or may not have snapped mine in half while torquing (to spec) the castle nut... will not state the brand name, but in its defense it was about 15 years old and probably had some stress fractures already....
looks like another MI tool to add to my growing arsenal of ar tools.... I bought their URR, over the geisele one based on you're "recomendation" of which URR is your favorite. and it makes sense. now to go buy a new armorers tool also cause I can never remember the torque specs LOL.
This block isn't for torquing castle nuts, It's just for assembling stripped lowers. For that you will want a Viceblox Lock & Hold. Made of aluminum and actually expands and locks into the magwell so there is no slop.
@@kylerobeck6492 oh yes I am aware. I just might get this as well, to make my life easier when working on any of my rifles.
Does anyone make a block that works with LMT MARS or LWRCI ambi lowers?
👍🇺🇸👊
Just curious what the .308 Urr does, is it to help with alignment of everything? Or is it some sort of go-no-go gauge? If anyone has answers I’d love to hear them
It's for installing the barrel nut by interfacing with the barrel extension to keep stress off of the upper receiver, also it has an alignment key for the charging handle slot in the upper receiver to further reduce chances of barrel extension alignment pin stress or upper receiver rotation during the final torque phase, it's like a perfected "geissele reaction rod" if you are familiar with that tool 👍
*also for removing barrel nuts as well 😁 this just happens to be the .308 "large frame" version vs. the regular AR-15 version which I believe he's covered along with the other common types in past videos, it's definitely my favorite design, well worth the cost👍
Awesome, thanks for the info!
New to the channel. Have y’all done an autopsy on a POF rifle?
😃😃😃😃😃!
How are the Real Avid brand tools in your opinion?
What is the mil-spec length of a bolt carrier?
I've got a question for you about a hammer pin on a 6920/M4
Will the Midwest Industries 308URR work with an SR-25?
I suggest only using KAC made specific tools servicing KAC rifles.
Did you try the Real Avid multi tool ?
A REACTION style rod without a sail, what are the pros and cons vs a clamp style jig, for barrel nut installation.
The reaction rod inserts into the barrel extension/lugs where the bcg seats. This way it is taking all the stress while torquing the barrel nut or even torquing/positioning a muzzle device. When using a clamp on the upper receiver all that torque stress is on the receiver itself. Depending on the clamping mechanism it could twist or sometimes even break an upper receiver. I’ve done some with just clamps but I was vary cautious torquing the barrel but, and maybe some luck. I finally bought a device that engages the barrel extension, and they are worth it. Just depends on how many times you’re going to be using it. Or if you’re unlucky enough to break or twist an upper and have to replace it. Also useful if you ever need to remove a barrel nut but that’s been on awhile. Some are really expensive. Magpul makes a decent one for the ar15 platform but not the 308/ar10 platform.
As stated, when removing a barrel nut that has been installed for a long time, the barrel nut can be seized to the barrel and start rotating in the upper receiver and the barrel pin can break the upper receiver as it spins with the barrel and nut. The sail offers resistance against the barrel rotating in the upper receiver.
@@reddune6185 yup totally agree. All depends on the risks you’re willing to take to save some money. Replacing an upper a time or two will more than make up the cost of whichever tool you get.
The strain on the index pin is the key.
If the barrel nut is one of the more modern style that don't need to be timed to allow the gas tube alignment then the torque (strain on the index pin) could be at the low end of the torque range and thus the reaction style rods could work with very little risk(I hope).
Of course the reaction style rod with the sail is superior to one without, but is it always necessary?
@@ratroute8238 no I guess it isn’t always necessary. If I had to get one tool I guess I’d choose the one with a device to prevent barrel rotation and not put unneeded stress on that pin. You just don’t necessarily know when it would be needed. It’s your build, however a person chooses to put it together is their business. As long as it is safe to use and fire have had it. I’ve seen ar’s put together using wood blocks, nothing fancy, no special tools and they worked flawlessly. I’m not here to say anyone is doing it wrong. There is always more than one way to skin a cat! If you build it, take pride in doing it yourself, learn from it on the next builds. Enjoy your constitutional right to bear arms.
What is the problem with small parts being magnetized?
You don't want something like your firing pin to pick up random bits of metal.
If you use steel case ammunition, and you have any magnetized parts, the small shavings can stick to them and cause issues.
Midwest Industries is great stuff, being an hour from their showroom is dangerous on the bank account.
(Plays world's smallest violin in jealous rage)
Yup.
The benefit is getting the tools for free*
I'm finding out if I want to build my 1st it's gonna cost a lot more than I thought a couple months ago.
Those wrenches are sweet. That’s one product where Magpul really dropped the ball.. This one has an open-ended barrel nut wrench and a socket hole on both ends, whereas the magpul wrenchi has a closed barrel nut wrench (wtf?) that must be aligned vertically to the buffer tube to even put the damn thing on, and only one socket hole located at the barrel nut wrench end. Just a pain in the ass to use and not cheap. At least they got the bottle opener right, tho 🙄. This MI looks like quite an improvement.