The popularity of the AR rifle in its many variations has unlocked American creative genius and produced a plethora of tools that allow users to build, maintain, and reconfigure ARs. The Wheeler Engineering Delta Series Armorer’s Vise has become my one indispensable tool. No matter what I am doing to my guns, it provides the perfect portable base for all AR tasks.
Everybody in America with an Internet connection and a kitchen table now believes that they are AR armorers. They may not be far wrong. Eugene Stoner (may his name be praised) designed a brilliant modular platform that was easy to maintain. The reason there are some 20 million modern sporting rifles across the fruited plains is that Stoner’s guns are very user friendly.
So, this story started when I bought a complete upper from a South Carolina company known primarily for their low prices. I know, spoiler alert, this was not a great decision. It shot accurately, but the brass stayed on the bolt and did not eject. I realized that the ejector spring was completely dead. I talked to the guys at Sprinco and soon had the best chrome silicon steel replacement spring on the planet.
Then, I realized that, in the Colt AR armorer’s class I took, we talked about this spring, but we never took it out. It is a little tricky to hold just the right pressure while driving out a roll pin. Foregoing my usual caveman approach, I went on Youtube and found the answer to my problem. The Wheeler Engineering Delta Series Armorer’s Vise. Now, all I had to do was get one.
I fixed my gun using a proper tool, and then I then did another uncharacteristic thing: I read the instructions. Wow. How had I lived so long without this?
The integrated mag-well insert securely locks into the lower receiver and adjusts to any angle. There is a hammer block to allow you to test fire the trigger without damaging the lower receiver or your thumb. This is perfect for assembling lowers and installing triggers.
The front support is also adjustable, allowing for any barrel profile or hand-guard configuration. This is great for cleaning and conducting maintenance when the only work surface available is a tailgate or range table.
The base is steel with non-slip rubber feet. Feet can be removed for permanent bench-top mounting. A pocket in the base keeps spare parts and tools off the kitchen floor or out of the dirt. If I had a quarter for every time I lost a part after launching a spring because I didn’t have a third hand….
Whether you are building an AR, upgrading your trigger, or simply cleaning your rifle, the Delta Series Armorer’s Vise provides a highly adjustable, solid work platform perfect for the job. I won’t take an AR to the range without it.
They also make a mag block for .308 ARs that can be used with the Delta Series Armorer’s vice or bolted directly to a bench as a stand alone.
Get the AR Armorers Vise on Amazon for well below the MSRP of $74.99
(Photos Courtesy: BTIBrands)
