#armorer

The Brownells Upper Receiver Block is a gunsmithing support tool designed to securely hold an AR-15 or similar rifle upper receiver in a bench vise while maintenance, assembly, or repair work is performed. Its primary purpose is to stabilize the upper receiver during procedures that require significant torque, such as installing or removing a barrel, tightening a barrel nut, changing a muzzle device, or servicing other upper receiver components. By providing a stable clamping surface, the block helps reduce movement and minimizes the risk of cosmetic damage that can occur when an upper receiver is held directly in a vise. It has become a common fixture in both professional gunsmithing shops and home workshops because it simplifies many maintenance tasks while offering consistent support for the firearm's upper assembly.

The block is manufactured from high-density polymer, a material selected for its combination of strength, impact resistance, and non-marring characteristics. Unlike steel or aluminum vise jaws, the polymer construction is less likely to scratch or dent the anodized finish found on most AR-15 upper receivers. The material is rigid enough to withstand repeated clamping pressure while retaining a slight amount of flexibility that helps distribute forces more evenly across the receiver. This balance of stiffness and resilience makes the block suitable for routine maintenance without unnecessarily exposing the firearm to metal-on-metal contact. The polymer is also resistant to many common cleaning solvents, oils, and lubricants encountered during firearms maintenance, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity through years of normal workshop use.

The dimensions of the Brownells Upper Receiver Block are intended to provide compatibility with standard AR-15 upper receivers while remaining compact enough for convenient storage. The block measures approximately 8 inches in length, about 2 inches in width, and roughly 2 inches in height, although slight variations may exist depending on the production version. These dimensions allow it to fit securely within the jaws of most standard bench vises while providing ample surface area to stabilize the receiver. Its relatively lightweight construction makes it easy to handle, transport, and reposition during different stages of firearm assembly or maintenance without adding unnecessary bulk to the workbench.

One of the greatest strengths of the Brownells Upper Receiver Block is its versatility. Although it is primarily designed for standard AR-15 upper receivers, it is compatible with many forged upper receivers manufactured to military specifications as well as numerous commercial equivalents. The block supports a wide variety of maintenance procedures, including barrel installation, gas block replacement, free-float handguard installation, forward assist servicing, ejection port cover replacement, and general upper receiver inspection. Because it securely supports the receiver while allowing unobstructed access to surrounding components, users can complete many common repairs and upgrades more efficiently than if the upper receiver were held using improvised methods. The block also serves as a valuable aid during cleaning sessions by keeping the receiver steady while carbon deposits are removed or parts are lubricated.

Durability is another area where the Brownells Upper Receiver Block performs well. The high-density polymer construction is engineered to tolerate repeated clamping cycles without significant deformation or cracking when used as intended. Many owners report using the same block for years across numerous rifle builds and maintenance sessions with little visible wear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs. The material maintains its shape under normal vise pressure and continues to provide reliable support through repeated exposure to shop environments, including oils, cleaning chemicals, and temperature fluctuations typically found in garages or gunsmithing workshops. Because there are no moving parts, hinges, or adjustment mechanisms, there are few components that can wear out or fail over time, contributing to the tool's long service life.

The overall value of the Brownells Upper Receiver Block is reflected in its balance of affordability, functionality, and longevity. Compared with more elaborate receiver holding systems that incorporate steel inserts or complex clamping mechanisms, this block provides a straightforward solution for many routine AR-15 maintenance tasks at a relatively modest cost. For firearm enthusiasts who occasionally assemble or service rifles, it offers sufficient performance without requiring a large financial investment. Professional armorers and experienced hobbyists may eventually choose specialized reaction rods or advanced clamping systems for certain high-torque operations, but the Brownells block remains a practical and economical option for a broad range of maintenance procedures. Its simple design also reduces the learning curve, making it accessible for individuals who are new to AR-15 assembly while still providing dependable performance for experienced users.

Another factor contributing to the tool's reputation is Brownells' long-standing focus on firearms maintenance equipment. The company has developed many products intended for both professional gunsmiths and firearm owners, and the Upper Receiver Block reflects this emphasis on practical workshop functionality. The block's straightforward design minimizes setup time, allowing users to position the receiver quickly before beginning maintenance. Since it contains no adjustable components, users can easily clean the block after use by wiping away accumulated grease, oil, or debris. This ease of maintenance further extends the product's usable lifespan and ensures it remains ready for future projects.

Overall, the Brownells Upper Receiver Block continues to be regarded as a dependable workshop accessory for supporting AR-15 upper receivers during routine maintenance and assembly. Its high-density polymer construction protects firearm finishes while delivering sufficient rigidity for many common gunsmithing operations. Compact dimensions make it easy to store and use with standard bench vises, while its versatility allows it to assist with numerous repair and upgrade procedures. Combined with its durability, resistance to workshop chemicals, and reasonable cost, the block represents a practical investment for firearm owners seeking reliable support equipment for regular maintenance tasks.

The Brownells Upper Receiver Block can be locate at Brownells:

Din, Armorer, and Mist.

Very excited for the fic you’re planning 👀👀

Arrangements

White clouds filled the air, mist from the Living Waters, steam from the cryoforge. Familiar footsteps rang out on the ancient stones and Din Djarin stepped into her forge-room.

She set down her hammers, regarding him with curiosity. It had been years since she had seen him last, ever since his son received his full armor and struck out into the galaxy on his own. Djarin walked a little slower now, right leg dragging with a slight arthritic limp, but he still cast an imposing figure with his beskar well-maintained.

She spoke the words of greeting. He dipped his helmet in recognition.

"What brings your journey back to Mandalore of old?"

"I wish to make arrangements," he said, and his voice carried the hallmarks of age that were otherwise hidden beneath his beskar.

She nodded. He was human. Yes, that would be appropriate.

"What are your wishes?"

"I have spoken with Grogu," he said. "We do not know what path he will walk, but if he takes a foundling, my armor may be passed on and used to protect them." He touched his right pauldron, his index finger tracing a border around the mudhorn signet. "But he has requested to keep this pauldron, should the Tribe allow."

"It will still remain with him?"

"Yes. In memory." He lowered his hand, his shoulders dropping slightly.

"This is permitted," she said. "Beskar belongs to the Mandalorian people. Your son is Mandalorian. I know he will treat it with honor."

"Thank you," he said. "I am at ease." But he did not turn to leave.

"There is something else. Your leg troubles you."

"It does. It's only age. A lucky problem to have."

"A problem of luck and skill both," the Armorer said, a touch of pride tingeing her voice. It was not very long ago that she knew no remaining Mandalorians touched by age. "I will make adjustments. You need a cuisse that is lighter, yet supportive as well."

He bowed his head in thanks, removing the armor from his right thigh and handing it to her reverently. "I would be honored." He knelt slowly, carefully.

She gazed upon him, then adjusted the cryoforge, its blue flames glowing through the white haze. She dropped the armor into the licking flames and raised her hammer and tongs, and she wondered if this would be their final time in the forge together. The idea brought an ineffable sense of a future grief, a shepherd losing a long-loyal member of the flock.

But that time was not now. The Living Waters within the forge roiled and steamed, and she spoke into the mist, her voice strong, certain, absolving. Shepherding.

"This is the Way."

The echo came as ever it had.

Finally did a full-body of my hellrider Clank and his artificer mech(Armorer subclass)

Une paire de solerets médiévaux en acier (chaussures d’armure), terminée aujourd’hui dans notre atelier chez MedievalMart France.

Chaque plaque est découpée, mise en forme et rivetée à la main. La construction articulée permet un mouvement naturel du pied to ut en conservant une silhouette historique authentique.

Ces pièces ne sont pas produites en série — elles sont façonnées lentement, élément par élément, selon des techniques traditionnelles de fabrication d’armures. La précision, l’équilibre et la patience sont essentiels.

A finished pair of steel sabatons (medieval armoured shoes), completed today in our workshop at MedievalMart.

Each plate is cut, shaped, and riveted by hand. The articulated construction allows natural movement of the foot while maintaining an authentic historical profile.

These pieces aren’t mass-produced — they’re built slowly, one component at a time, using traditional armour-making methods. Precision, balance, and patience matter here.

An Armorer modifies armor to function almost like a second skin. The armor is enhanced to hone the Armorer's magic, unleash potent attacks, and generate a formidable defense.

Level 3 Tools of the Trade: You gain the following benefits.

Armor Training. You gain proficiency with Heavy armor.

Tool Proficiency. You gain proficiency with Smith's Tools. If you already have this tool proficiency, you gain proficiency with one other type of Artisan's Tools of your choice.

Armor Crafting. When you craft nonmagical or magic armor, the amount of time required to craft it is halved.

Level 3 Spells: When you reach a level specified below, you thereafter always have the listed spells prepared.

Level 3: Magic Missile and Thunderwave

Level 5: Mirror Image and Shatter

Level 9: Hypnotic Pattern and Lightning Bolt

Level 13: Fire Shield and Greater Invisibility

Level 17: Passwall and Wall of Force

Level 3 Arcane Armor: As a Magic action while you have Smith's Tools in hand, you can turn a suit of armor you are wearing into Arcane Armor. The armor continues to be Arcane Armor until you don another suit of armor or you die.

You gain the following benefits while wearing your Arcane Armor.

No Strength Requirement. If the armor normally has a Strength requirement, the Arcane Armor lacks this requirement for you.

Quick Don and Doff. You can don or doff the armor as a Utilize action. The armor can't be removed against your will.

Spellcasting Focus. You can use the Arcane Armor as a Spellcasting Focus for your Artificer spells.

Level 3 Armor Model: You can customize your Arcane Armor. When you do so, choose one of the following armor models: Dreadnaught, Guardian, or Infiltrator. The model you choose gives you special benefits while you wear it.

Each model includes a special weapon. When you attack with that weapon, you can add your Intelligence modifier, instead of your Strength or Dexterity modifier, to the attack and damage rolls.

You can change the armor's model whenever you finish a Short or Long Rest if you have Smith's Tools in hand.

Dreadnaught. You design your armor to become a towering juggernaut in battle. It has the following features:

Force Demolisher. An arcane wrecking ball or sledgehammer projects from your armor. The demolisher counts as a Simple Melee weapon with the Reach property, and it deals 1d10 Force damage on a hit. If you hit a creature that is at least one size smaller than you with the demolisher, you can push the creature up to 10 feet straight away from yourself or pull the creature up to 10 feet toward yourself.

Giant Stature. As a Bonus Action, you transform and enlarge your armor for 1 minute. For the duration, your reach increases by 5 feet, and if you are smaller than Large, you become Large, along with anything you are wearing. If there isn't enough room for you to increase your size, your size doesn't change. You can use this Bonus Action a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.

Guardian. You design your armor to be in the front line of conflict. It has the following features:

Thunder Pulse. You can discharge concussive blasts with strikes from your armor. The pulse counts as a Simple Melee weapon and deals 1d8 Thunder damage on a hit. A creature hit by the pulse has Disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you until the start of your next turn.

Defensive Field. While Bloodied, you can take a Bonus Action to gain Temporary Hit Points equal to your Artificer level. You lose these Temporary Hit Points if you doff the armor.

Infiltrator. You customize your armor for subtler undertakings. It has the following features:

Lightning Launcher. A gemlike node appears on your armor, from which you can shoot bolts of lightning. The launcher counts as a Simple Ranged weapon with a normal range of 90 feet and a long range of 300 feet, and it deals 1d6 Lightning damage on a hit. Once on each of your turns when you hit a creature with the launcher, you can deal an extra 1d6 Lightning damage to that target.

Powered Steps. Your Speed increases by 5 feet.

Dampening Field. You have Advantage on Stealth checks. If the armor imposes Disadvantage on such checks, the Advantage and Disadvantage cancel each other, as normal.

Level 5 Extra Attack: You can attack twice instead of once whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

Level 9 Improved Armorer: You gain the following benefits.

Armor Replication. You learn an additional plan for Replicate Magic Item, and it must be in the Armor category. If you replace that plan, you must replace it with another Armor plan.

In addition, you can create an additional item with that feature, and the item must also be in the Armor category.

Improved Arsenal. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with the special weapon of your Arcane Armor model.

Level 15 Perfected Armor: Your Arcane Armor gains additional benefits based on its model, as detailed below.

Dreadnaught. The damage die of Force Demolisher increases to 2d6 Force damage.

In addition, when you use Giant Stature, your reach increases by 10 feet, your size can increase to Large or Huge (your choice), and you have Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws for the duration.

Guardian. The damage die of Thunder Pulse increases to 1d10 Thunder damage.

In addition, when a Huge or smaller creature you can see ends its turn within 30 feet of you, you can take a Reaction to magically force that creature to make a Strength saving throw against your spell save DC. On a failed save, you pull the creature up to 25 feet directly toward you to an unoccupied space. If you pull the target to a space within 5 feet of yourself, you can make a melee weapon attack against it as part of this Reaction.

You can take this Reaction a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.

Infiltrator. The damage die of Lightning Launcher increases to 2d6 Lightning damage. Any creature that takes Lightning damage from Lightning Launcher glimmers with magical light until the start of your next turn. The glimmering creature sheds Dim Light in a 5-foot radius, and it has Disadvantage on attack rolls against you, as the light jolts it if it attacks you.

🛡️ Steel & Feather — Jaolen Skinner’s Craft of Courage (Ishgardian Restoration 2020)Date: August 17, 2020Discipline: ArmorerServer: MidgardsormrFree Company: Sweet n Sour ChocoboRank: 87Score: 3,044 points The clang of steel echoed through the Firmament as one more Sweet n Sour Chocobo rose to the ranks of the realm’s finest. Jaolen Skinner, ever patient and precise, forged not just armor — but…