AR-15 Reaction Rods | Pros and Cons of Different Designs | School of the American Rifle

[@capt.martin5169]

Thanks, I just bought the Midwest because of this video, I hope Midwest sees this and takes care of you. Thanks again!

[@FightingSportsMedia]

Hopefully not using to torque barrel nut, that puts all the pressure on your barrel index pin. These rods are meh compared to a clamshell style.

[@chrisd5758]

​@@FightingSportsMediawhy do you think it has the top fin for? To prevent exactly what you're worried about.

[@jakass]

Can tell he likes the Midwest one by the wear that's on it

[@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8]

its not wear, he machined it down because MI machined it out of spec.

[@jccuby7771]

Just bought the Midwest one. I can’t believe how versatile this tool is. It definitely makes the assemble/build/maintenance of ars a joy!

[@bruces12]

I went and did the same thing. Love the fact that you can index the rifle with these!!

[@seanwhite304]

Where have you guys been my whole life . Between you guys and Chris at SAS the knowledge is phenomenal

[@MrEpeeFencer]

Who's Chris? Does he have a channel?

[@MrEpeeFencer]

@Youstill Wrongtho Thanks.

[@johnlind9194]

Got the Midwest Industries and swear by it. Best method for holding the upper during barrel removal/install.

[@billn911]

Best video on this tool. I have been torn and confused by reviews and this really helped clear up the differences. Thank you!

[@IndependentArmz]

got the wheeler many years ago. Been very happy with it, as I didn't really know good from bad at the time.

[@hometed8733]

The Midwest is a very good value and built rock solid. I had a cheap aluminum one from ebay for my ar15 builds. I bought a Midwest Industries one for a 308 build. Very happy with it. I would recommend this one over all the others as well.

[@CaptGus]

Well done, finally someone knows what they are talking about.

[@goinhot9133]

I know right. The man is gold when it comes to ARs. I like that he does everything right, not cutting corners.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Dude is a fake expert. The Scotty Kilmer of guns 😂

[@deadweight2049]

​@@rifleshooterchannel208how so? I'm interested in why what this guy says is incorrect.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

@@deadweight2049 He recommends 420 stainless pins for the ejector, that right there is enough to show he doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. Did you ever see his “how to lube the AR15” video too? Clown shoes stuff.

[@deadweight2049]

​@rifleshooterchannel208 I haven't seen his videos, I'll have to check them out and see what's up. Thanks for the reply dude.

[@Econolinebus]

I'm glad I watched this. I learned something.

[@tomhood8897]

Just found this video today and ordered the 2 Unique spud. On sale for 175. Happy to support a small independent machine shop! Thanks for the video and great info!

[@AtlantiXYL]

2:57 that part was gold! Thanks for the info. I think Geissele started the innovation and others made it better.

[@davidschaadt3460]

I just ordered a Wheeler rod. I have been hesitant to try one. Been worried about the pin and notch. Great program! Thank you.

[@9877joseph]

Take the sail off if you find that it won't fit in place.

[@MotivatedMetalworks]

​@@9877joseph Sail?

[@eugenejensen2279]

Great video I think I’ll get one of the Midwest reaction rods as I just broke a pin off one of my barrels because my other reaction rod has no sail to hold the upper in place.

[@Quality_Guru]

I have never built an AR pistol but I love the knowledge that is shared on this channel. The presentation style is very professional, the narrative is very well thought out and the close ups provide us with exceptional details. Very nicely done.

[@DDGVET4]

I had no idea there were so many different reaction rods. Very informative. Thanks!

[@snakeman48]

I been using the 2 Unique rod since they brought it to market. I have a piece of drill rod I got from work for the gas tube line up of the nuts that require it.No regrets on the purchase. Buy once, cry once.

[@JuanPerez-gd5ft]

Interesting to know how many variants pros and cons of these reaction rods I are out there until I saw your video. Very well executed great info, well done.

[@richardscarlett7942]

this is very helpful, we need more explanation, demonstration on other AR tools.

[@TheYemcl]

As someone who's shorn a pin and egged out a different receiver's index pin notch using the Geiselle Reaction Rod, I would recommend any of the steel designs that have a vertical wall or fin section that slides into the charging handle channel.

[@nramorrisg8415]

Yep I agree with you them two are a the best I always try to explain to people, if you're going to buy always by the better one and be done with it no sense of wasting money or breaking the equipment you're working on maybe that's why snap-on's the top-of-the-line. we can all sing the song Imagine that.

[@radradR0bot]

I have the real avid one. I like that it doesn't have a sail because I use it to install upper parts like FA, gas blocks, handguards etc. It's nice to be able to quickly rotate the upper into whatever position I need. However I don't use to torque the barrel nut. I use a magpul bev block for that.

[@bruces12]

Excellent video...the fact that you can index the rifle using the reaction rod with the "sail" makes them worth their weight! Just subscribed and liked.

[@Maine307]

its almost as if he has experience and training in the subject.. Cheers from the Woods of Maine! Awesome video as usual !

[@HotBrass-Lead]

I use the wheelers rod and wheelers clamshell. Love them !!!!! I don’t torque anything over 40fp so it’s perfect

[@damon323]

Does the wheeler lock in to the star lugs of a barrel pretty well? Sorry if my terminology isn’t correct.

[@mathiasbarot2243]

I was on way to buy the Real Avid one (here in Europe, it's not too difficult to find it, like the Geissele one), but thanks to your vid, I will get the Midwest one, even if it's not easy here ! Thanks again 👍

[@daniellerose4611]

I currently have a real avid in my shopping cart but decided to see what SOTAR had to say first. Needless to say, I'm scrapping the RA and going with the Midwest

[@MJA5]

Geissele Super Reaction rod uses jigs in the ejection port to isolate the upper. It works very well in my experience

[@moscasucio1686]

Is it better than MI reaction rod?

[@MJA5]

@@moscasucio1686 I can’t say because I have never used an MI but I understand they are very good.

[@johnniewasr5740]

@@moscasucio1686 no it’s not plus it is almost twice the price of the MI

[@Shamuko-g2j]

Beware of BCM upper receivers, there clocked & this is the response BCM gives when MI Reaction Rod doesn't fit. BCM exact words= NOTE: We use a lot of MI Reaction Rods here in our shop,however we almost always remove the upper wing. The tolerance stacking of the vertical wing can make it incompatible with some milspec upper receivers. (NOT ACCEPTABLE)

[@PandemicGameplay]

yea that's just laziness, the uppers they are using must be out of spec.

[@rcairnut]

I have the Gisele Super reaction rod it locks the upper and just rocks! I also have the URR and it rocks also but is quicker to use and works as a gauge unlike the afore mentioned Gisele Super reaction rod. My .02

[@flawless1up]

i have always been a fan of geissele... but i decided on Midwest industries this time. just shipped today

[@MJA5]

The SRR does indeed index the upper receiver assuming it’s milspec

[@johnniewasr5740]

It locks the barrel extension, not the upper. That is one of the main points of this video.

[@brucehartsell4997]

great video! I learned some things about reaction rods.

[@kriswhitman8027]

Awesome thank you. I will acquire the tool from Midwest. You just saved me some frustration by getting the correct tool the first time! Great video!!

[@johnmoorefield76]

First, I liked & subscribed to your channel! This is a very informative video. Such a great video on the different reaction rods. When I go to buy one, I know what to look for!! Thanks JUNKIE!! Will be watching your other videos!

[@Mihogan]

I appreciate the demonstration. I have to ask, do reaction rods you show that have the fin (wheeler, Midwest) stop the torque all going to the index pin?

[@russellstall169]

You do a great job of explaining these products thanks

[@joelclark2130]

Wow absolutely love it great video. Makes me change my mind about what I'm going to buy thank you

[@VincitOmniaVeritas7]

I have the real avid. While the lack of a “sail” does put a stress on the index knob while torquing the barrel nut, it is perfectly safe to use it to change muzzle devices since only the barrel lugs are engaged and no torque is applied on the aluminum receiver in that case. For installing the barrel nut, however, a torque gauge is essencial to make sure you don’t exceed the recommended ft/lbs and eventually crack your upper.

[@l337l0gan]

Building my 2nd AR lower, and my first upper. Thank you for this!

[@PatRiot104]

Great video! What are your thoughts on the BEV Block?

[@jeffw.5462]

This is an excellent and well articulated video. Great information, thanks!

[@newrunner91]

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for. Subbed!

[@flyleroutdoors7169]

What a phenomenal video

[@kiarakairhee]

Good stuff

[@uralbob1]

Wow! Good episode! You help give us AR owners great ideas for trouble shooting potential problems. Super interesting!

[@vgamedude12]

Damn when I was going to build an AR a while ago I thought these reaction rods would be better for installing barrels. Never clicked until I saw the demonstration here.

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@rg-himself8367]

I have the real avid one, and my first time using it (could've been my fault) I just went for 50 ft.lbs on the barrel nut, just so my brain was happy in the middle of the allowance on barrel nuts...the tool sheared in the extension before I hit 50. 😂 but to real avid's credit, I told them what happened, and in about 9 days, I had a brand new one in the mail at no cost. This one has been up to 60 ft.lbs with no problem. Lemons do happen, and I'm grateful that Real Avid had (has) great customer service on a rare bad part!

[@CarbonGlassMan]

This is interesting. I just drilled a 9mm barrel so I could add an index pin so I can grind in a feed ramp on the barrel because the new setup I have with the Mean Arms pmag conversions isn't working. The bolt is just picking up the bullet and jamming it straight into the flat vertical fact of the barrel, just under the chamber/feeding cone. I don't want the barrel to spin if I'm just doing a feed ramp on the bottom of the barrel. This won't work for a 9mm barrel though. Maybe with the CMMG rotary delay system, but not for the blowback system.

[@philbertlovely7724]

I feel that Midwest is like the Matco of gunsmithing tools. Not the most expensive or the most well-known, bit field-proven to get the job done right. I know who I'll do business with.

[@arturoenriquez5164]

Good info! I will get the Midwest Industries brand. Thanks!

[@CodCraVe]

Just got the Midwest URR in today and 6/8 of my uppers must have barrel extension/upper receiver timing issue because the lugs would not engage with the barrel extension…. These are all factory assembled uppers from BCM, Black Rain Ordnance, and S&W…. However when I check engagement with a BCG to check gas tube alignment and lug alignment, everything appears to be working as it should. Milspec ARs are built with tolerances to allow function without 100% perfect timing but it still bothers me. Now I’m contemplating stripping out all of these uppers and indexing with the Midwest URR….. hopefully it’s not a huge deal but I’m not a gunsmith

[@MP-vm1jt]

How did it go?

[@CodCraVe]

@@MP-vm1jt turns out my Midwest URR was out of spec and machined too large in the particular batch. They tested a new one on 20+ known good uppers and shipped it out overnight. Turns out all of my uppers were in spec after all. Props to Midwest for promptly addressing my issue.

[@jeffw.5462]

Most excellent video with some great insights. Thanks!

[@r.mercado9737]

Outstanding! Semper Fi

[@jluvnklee]

So are we to understand that the Geissele Reaction rod only causes damage to alignment pins or receivers when too much torque is applied, or can it cause problems under normal use within say 40-60 foot pounds?

[@righteousriverfishinginoregon7]

Thank you. Your brief criticism of the Real Avid rod was that it is made of aluminum. But, what is your opinion about the design and way it locks the upper received in place with that pin system? Does that reduce or eliminate the tension on the upper receiver and alignment pin? I recently ordered one so I am curious. Thank you.

[@codychildress7859]

Buddy keep in mind that the UPPER is made of aluminum and you should NEVER torque a barrel hard enough to damage aluminum. 40ft lbs is PLENTY especially if you change barrels often. Real avid makes a great reaction rod. I've installed hundreds of barrels without a reaction rod. They are a great LUXURY. Real avid design is just fine.

[@svarodzic]

I was just about to buy one of those. Now, I know exactly what I need. Thanks, man!

[@JanYi2023]

Thank you for the great video

[@mann3624]

What is the correct technical classification for this group of tools? Would you call them all reaction rods? It seems like that could be misleading since Geissele's product is named the Reaction Rod. Reaction-style rods seems wrong too for some reason. Barrel rods maybe?

[@garywillis9528]

A reaction rod is a must for assembling an LR308 upper. It is correct that you have to be careful with 308's and the play is not fun but fine if you are careful. Grease your threads and have a good supply of shims if you have to assemble one. I would prefer handguards the don't need indexted. You still have to estimate where it will be aligned but do your best guess. Additionally LR308 uppers are often non standard and the plastic gripper won't always fit. Using the block that uses the takedown pins is very likely to distort the bosses on the upper. Resist the temptation to overtighten as you cans see you may not be able to easily remove the barrel if you break the pin.

[@MitchFlint]

Recently twisted the steel spline out of the aluminum Wheeler while removing a very stubborn barrel nut from a side-charging receiver. The carrier key channel narrows at the rear of the side-charging upper so the sail had to be removed. None of the gun parts were damaged, but the fixture was ruined, which affirms the utility of the sail. To be fair, the Wheeler stood up okay through lots of use on normal uppers before this special case.

[@damon323]

So is the Wheeler pretty good then overall? I’m just building like one or two uppers.

[@MitchFlint]

@@damon323 Sure, it's okay for light duty. But if I had it to do again, I'd have shelled out the extra bucks on one made of solid steel in the first place. You only have to buy good tools once.

[@ncrawford1488]

Excellent content.

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthen6014]

Awesome vid! Very helpful info!

[@lukeclement1981]

Awesome video

[@CharlieMikeNS]

If the MI Rod goes in, but meets a little resistance, is that a failure for the barrel extension alignment?

[@timturner7609]

Thanks for posting this. I was having trouble visualizing this issue.

[@cytofusion6072]

The primary criticism of the Reaction rod as a tool seems to be that if you use it wrong, you can break your receiver. Much like how if you stick your hand in a running blender, you’ll lose it. I think at that point we just have to chalk it up to people not doing the proper research before jumping into a project. I do wonder what your opinion of the Magpul Bev Block design is.

[@mikeq7096]

what I cant find is if the roods are caliber specific or just specific for the extension site. I am looking to build a 6mm ARC but not sure if the rod in ar15 size will work..

[@maxcole3930]

So it's obvious the Midwest is the best. I need to buy one of these because I have to uppers to assemble & all I have is the Brownells clam shell. Which is what I've used to assemble my others previously. Now after watching your stuff I wanna go back & check those with the rod also. So considering I'm only gonna be messing with 6 uppers. Do you think the wheel rod would be ok fory situation of not doing this alot? Or should I just get the Midwest?

[@alanknight4418]

I just bought the Geissele. Should have seen this first.

[@ThePartialArtist]

I like that the Giselle allows you to rotate, i have back problems, so bending over to put in the gas block screws is annoying. The Giselle allows me to set the gun upside down. I also like the more sturdy design of the Midwest one. I need a happy medium. A sturdy rod that allows me to rotate the gun when needed. I dont think they make it.

[@warrenlanham9088]

If someone is just a casual builder/maintainer is it worth it to get this tool or will the bev block work just fine? Does the bev block have the same issue of putting pressure on the barrel index pin as the ones you showed that don't have the key way?

[@rockriveroutdoors810]

Barrel extension are torqued to 150 ft lbs then gas ports drilled off the center of the barrel extension pin, that extension has to be machined wrong. If you are putting enough torque a barrel nut to break the upper your torquing way to hard. Use pb blaster and heat after that, if it’s still seized let it soak over night in an ATF/Diesel mixture. If still not working Heat the barrel nut and put a barrel cooler in the extension. Never once have we ever broke a receiver, pins sure, but they drill out easily enough. Just some tricks of the trade.

[@DrCap24]

What’s the length of the flat area on the Midwest urr. Thanks for your time.

[@4g63mark]

Great video. I'm glad to learn of that Midwest rod. I'll definitely be upgrading my Geissele

[@hellraiserrec19]

I'm assuming the geissele version can be used with 556 rifles/pistols other than AR's as well?

[@MyOsist]

What about clamshell style upper blocks?

[@Erwin3333]

Would you happen to know if any of these are compatible with the Springfield armory victor Saint AR 9mm?

[@armedfoodie]

The rod was not meant to install barrel nut, it is intended to take torq off installing muzzle devices. Upper vise block is better for installing barrel nut.

[@uahhak8424]

The Midwest URR did not work on my AR the rod could not be inserted into the upper the rod is 1.00 in. OD the upper ID is .933 in.

[@jessewilliamson5519]

Freest video. Thanks

[@fatefinger]

So basically what I take here with the Kley-Zion or Geissele reaction rod don’t be stupid.

[@ack495]

How about the Brownells one?

[@caclayton2007]

Would you recommend a urr or a clamshell vice block or a magpul bev block or a barrel block for removing a seized barrel nut

[@5jjt]

Will these rods keep the feed ramps aligned on both the upper and the barrel when the barrel nut is tightened?

[@bgp2133]

Will any of those work with AR15 PCC?

[@UncleDanBand64]

Good video! I have been meaning to get one. Thanks for the recommendations👍🇺🇸

[@paulhughes3961]

I have an aluminum alignment rod and I am very careful not to put to much force on it. I really like the Midwest Industries .

[@blackheart8121]

Outstanding. Thanks and you got another sub. Time to check out all your others vids.

[@shawng7902]

I just ordered a wheelers. Had a magpul block but knew that wasnt the answer. Others cost way more so I tried the $50 option. At 3 min mark I'm glad I did. When you said people say "it takes all the stress off the upper" I instantly though no it doesnt. It puts every bit of it on that pin and barrel nipple. Love learning something before it happens to me. Thanks for video.

[@damon323]

I can’t tell if you like the Wheeler, or if it’s putting stress on the index pin? Is it a good tool or not?

[@shawng7902]

@@damon323 It really depends. It's all in how much you will use it and how much you want to spend. The mag-block is a good all-around option if you don't already have a vice mount. I've built 1 or 2 with it. I have 3 on my wheeler so far. It does really well but I like having both. The reaction rod is like $200 but it's going to be better than any of them. Im the kind that won't spend $200 so I buy the $50 then later the $100, then, in the end, the $200 so I have a drawer of options. The wheeler to me honestly feels like it's more solid and safe than block alone. Just personal opinion.

[@damon323]

@@shawng7902 Thank you very much brother, appreciate the feedback!

[@tonyblewitt6159]

Aluminum reaction rod is not going to tear up the inner end of the barrel. Steel against steel ... well think about it

[@elitetrader5468]

You question Chad? Good god.

[@cameronemery7553]

Hey what size rod will work with the 2unique barreling spud? thanks!

[@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3ybnJpvqrykma8

[@andrelopez4709]

so i should get the MI to install but need the Geissele copy to fix a barrel timed improperly?

[@MichaelLeopold1]

Informative

[@IamKemosabe]

Does the Mid West rod work with 300 Blk specifically Sig Rattler?

[@johnp1839]

Great video!! What's your opinion on the Magpul Bev Block? Looking for a good value tool for an AR build that won't break the bank.

[@novaggie]

Can you add the Magpul Bevblock to the mix? Heard you say it comes in a secondary place to the MW URR, but curious to see a detailed review. Thanks!

[@ke3552]

@arbuildjunkie I've been subscribed for a while but have not been getting notifications of new releases. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks

[@robertcowan8211]

A+ once again

[@dorianleclair7390]

I just bought a reaction rod off wish. It does have a sail which i thought was nice.

[@vgamedude12]

Did you use it? Does it work well?

[@dorianleclair7390]

@@vgamedude12 yeah its held up so far. Have done barrel change and couple muzzle devices.

[@vgamedude12]

@@dorianleclair7390 nice. I might get a knock off then if I build an ar in the future. always thought these things were expensive for what they are.

[@dorianleclair7390]

@@vgamedude12 yeah they are expensive. If you are just doing a couple builds should be fine. I was actually impressed with quality of the knock off brand.

[@Bret_The_Hitman]

Would it be ok to use a reaction rod just for muzzle devices

[@metalgearsociety1772]

No, only use barrel vice

[@carminestabile6351]

Where can I get that gas tube "rod" for the 2Unique?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

You have to fabricate one. They don't offer it o my knowledge. I made the one I use.

[@ericdummitt6387]

www.2uniquellc.com/product-page/m16-barreling-spud