Product Spotlight: Brownells AR Lower Vise Block

In this video, Brownells introduces their redesigned AR Vice Block, built for greater strength, versatility, and ease of use. Designed to work with both AR-15 and AR-10 lowers, the block features pivoting tension wings that apply secure, non-damaging pressure inside the magwell for a rock-solid hold. This ensures stability during demanding tasks like buffer tube installs or castle nut torqueing. Simple to use and compatible with most shop vices, it’s ideal for gunsmiths, armorers, and AR enthusiasts. The hosts demonstrate the block’s functionality and explain why it’s a major upgrade for anyone doing serious AR work at home or professionally.

What You Will Learn 

Viewers will learn how the new Brownells AR Vice Block improves stability and ease during AR-15 and AR-10 maintenance or builds. They’ll see how the tension wing system works to securely lock the lower receiver in place, making tasks like installing buffer tubes or torqueing castle nuts safer and more efficient.

Benefit 

The benefit of watching this video is that it shows how a well-designed tool—like the new AR Vice Block—can make working on your AR builds faster, safer, and more precise. You'll learn how to securely hold your lower receiver without risk of damage, saving time and avoiding frustration during maintenance or assembly.

Why a New Vice Block?

We already had a vice block before, but this new version is a major improvement. Right out of the box, you’ll notice it's more robust, more versatile, and just better designed for the real-world needs of AR enthusiasts and gunsmiths.

It comes packaged simply: just the vice block and a quick overview of its features printed right on the back of the packaging. No complicated instructions needed. It’s built to be intuitive.

Features Overview

This lower receiver vice block is designed to work with both small-frame ARs (AR-15s) and large-frame ARs (AR-10s, .308s).

We’re using two examples today, both LMT lowers—one AR-15 and one AR-10—but this block will work with almost any standard spec lower receiver.

Key Features:

• Magazine catch lock-in: The block fits into the magwell and locks in securely.

• Pivoting tension wings: These flexible wings articulate and apply pressure inside the magwell, locking the receiver firmly in place.

• Dual compatibility: Works with both 5.56 and .308 lowers by using the adjustable wings.

How the Flex Wings Work

These little pivoting wings are one of the smartest parts of the design.

When you insert the block into the magwell, the wings flex outward as you clamp the receiver into the vice. That flex puts positive pressure on the inside of the receiver, keeping it rock-solid without damaging anything.

There are two sets of wings:

• Narrow wings for 5.56 lowers

• Wider wings for .308 lowers

When using the block, just remember to push the wings in slightly while inserting it into the lower’s magwell. That’s the only thing you really need to remember. Otherwise, setup is effortless.

Solid Fit for Serious Work

Once clamped into your vice, your lower is secure enough to handle serious operations:

• Buffer tube installations

• Torqueing castle nuts

• Cleaning and part swaps

The tension wings prevent any rocking, shifting, or deformation while you're applying force to the receiver. That makes all the difference when you’re working on a build or doing maintenance.

You don't have to use it perfectly vertical either—you can adjust the angle in your vice if needed to work more comfortably.

Compatible With Brownells Bench Vices

If you’re wondering about the vice we used in the video, that’s the Brownells Bench Vice, which pairs perfectly with the Brownells line of gunsmithing tools.

It’s not required—you can use the block with just about any sturdy shop vice—but the Brownells setup is especially handy if you’re building or servicing a lot of rifles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a home builder, gunsmith, or armorer who works on ARs regularly, the new Brownells AR Vice Block is going to make your life a lot easier.

• It locks your lower down securely.

• It works with both AR-15 and AR-10 platforms.

• It’s simple, strong, and affordable.

We’re excited to finally offer this to the Brownells community.

If you have any questions about the vice block, how to use it, or anything else, feel free to leave a comment or call the Brownells Tech Line. We’re always happy to help.

Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time.

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