Introduced in 2014, the BEV Block was part of Magpul’s effort to diversify beyond its magazine line and into other areas of interest. The Barrel Extension Vice (BEV) Block allows the individual to properly mount the AR15/M4 upper receiver for maintenance or light-to-moderate gunsmithing.
The BEVB lock is made from a combination of Magpul polymer to protect the finish, and hardened steel for strength. It is an all-in-one tool made for workbench vices to service elements of both the upper and lower forged and billet receivers to include; barrel nuts, handguards, flash hiders, triggers, pistol grips, and more.
The upper portion of the BEV Block includes a forward-facing barrel extension with solid-steel locking lugs that positively engage the inner lugs of the barrel.
The rear of this extension also features a rubberized O-ring post that is used to slide the AR15/M4 bolt into the upper receiver and mount to the rear extension. This and the included receiver pin, positively locks the upper receiver to the BEV Block. The upper portion of the BEV Block has a full length support shank deep inside the inner portion of the body for maximum strength.
The lower portion of the BEV Block allows for solid insertion and lock into the magwell of the lower receiver for work on trigger groups, buffer components, and other things.
The BEV Block is available in only in Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At $49.95 the BEV Block is made dominantly from Magpul’s polymer blend with a solid steel locking lug adapter and core for added rigidity. There is no direct comparator for the BEV Block in terms of all-inclusive armorer’s tool for both upper and lower receivers. Other market alternatives, such as the Delta Block ($29.99) by Wheeler Engineering or Real-Avid’s Smart-Fit AR-15 Vice Block ($34.95), only allow for an either/or design whereby the polymer blocks or vices only can be used for one receiver and not the other. Other all-steel reaction rod type tools, such as Geissele’s Reaction Rod ($99) or the Upper Receiver Rod ($104.95) by Midwest Industries, again are only suitable for upper receiver and barrel work. And while the BEV Block is best used for maintenance and moderate gunsmithing, for its cost and ability to support both upper/lower receivers it had a very good price point for the end-user.
- Durability – Good (4/5): Used for a variety of rifle builds, the BEV Block did well to hold up to consistent use, especially against the pressures of being in a bench vise and the impact use of a hammer. Only minimal surface marring was observed throughout use, with no evidence of hairline cracking or compromise of the polymer exterior. It is most likely that over-tightening of the bench vise would eventually lead to some level of damage, so end-users should take care in this aspect.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, use of the BEV Block was straightforward. On the end for the upper receiver, even with using the associated BCG for added stability, there was still a little wobble in the overall upper—but was suitable for maintenance work. However, the BEV Block’s didn’t confidently lend itself to fully supporting the overall upper receiver for tightening aspects like barrel nuts or muzzle brakes to the appropriate torque, and may be something Magpul explores in improving in later iterations. Likewise, the opposite end for lower receivers did well to fill the magwell of multiple AR-15s, positively engaging the magazine release in doing so and keeping a solid lock on the receiver. This helped greatly in trigger work and other aspects. One recommendation for Magpul would be to look into having an interchangeable barrel extension whereby the end-user could swap out the upper receiver component for other caliber of AR rifles. This would expand on its overall functionality.
- Weight – Excellent (5/5): At a demure 11.2 ounces the BEV Block owes a lot of its light weight to its blend of polymer and a sufficient level of steel to ensure rigidity. As with Cost, it is difficult to find a direct comparator to the BEV Block as most gunsmithing tools only enable for one to work on either the upper receiver or the lower, and not both. As such, the Delta Block (21.6 ounces) shows the lightweight characteristics of similar polymer blocks, whereas the all-steel Upper receiver Rod (5 pounds) from Midwest Industries shows how heavier the more denser gunsmithing tools can go. As such the BEV Block is an excellent weight for the given function of servicing both the upper and lower receivers.
Overall Rating – Above Average (17/20)
Product Link: https://magpul.com/bevblock-ar15-m4.html?mp_global_color=undefined
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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