Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block Review

First Impressions of Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block

The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block promises to be a versatile tool for any gun owner who performs their own maintenance and modifications. As someone with over a decade of experience working on firearms, I’m always looking for ways to streamline the process and protect my guns. This block, with its magnetic features and various cutouts, aims to provide a stable and organized platform for disassembly and reassembly.

My decision to try the Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block stemmed from a need for a dedicated workspace. Scattered parts and improvised solutions were becoming a constant headache during gun maintenance. I’d seen similar products, but the Birchwood Casey block’s seemingly thoughtful design, magnetic retention, and affordable price point ultimately won me over.

Upon unboxing, the block felt surprisingly solid. Its weight and the texture of the polymer suggested a decent level of durability. Compared to some of the cheaper, flimsier blocks I’ve seen, this one definitely felt more substantial. I was initially excited about the included 1911 tools, as I frequently work on those platforms. I was also hoping the Glock compatibility would save me from needing a separate tool for those pistols.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block was during a detailed cleaning and lubrication of my Glock 19. I used it on my workbench, which is usually covered in gun parts and tools. The various cutouts and recesses in the block provided a stable platform for removing the slide and working on the trigger assembly.

The integrated magnet proved useful for holding onto small pins and springs, preventing them from rolling off the bench. Working in a dimly lit workspace, those small parts can be a real pain to locate. However, I found some of the cutouts were not a perfect fit for all Glock components, requiring a little extra finesse. The non-marring polymer did indeed seem to protect the finish of my pistol, as I observed no scratches or blemishes from the initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block has become a permanent fixture on my workbench. I’ve used it for everything from simple cleaning to complete trigger replacements on multiple platforms. The block shows minimal signs of wear and tear, indicating a durable construction.

Cleaning the block is simple; a quick wipe-down with a solvent-safe cloth removes any residue. It is holding up remarkably well to gun cleaning solvents. In comparison to my previous haphazard methods, this block has significantly improved my workflow and reduced the risk of lost parts. While it isn’t perfect for every firearm, it certainly speeds up the process for many.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block

Specifications

• The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block is designed to hold pistol components during maintenance and disassembly. Its universal design aims to accommodate various handgun models.
• It facilitates the easy removal of pins on most pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The product features an integrated magnet to secure pins and small parts.
• The block is made from a non-marring polymer material. This prevents damage to the finish of your firearms.
• It is solvent safe and resistant to fading, wearing, or cracking when exposed to common gun cleaning chemicals. The bench block includes a 1911-barrel bushing tool and a main spring removal tool.
• The block is compatible with Glock 2, 3, or 4 pin trigger assemblies. This enhances the block’s versatility for working on different pistol models.
• Birchwood Casey lists the material as Polyester, but this is likely an error. The block feels like a more rigid polymer.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block performs its primary function well: providing a stable and organized surface for gun work. The magnetic feature is especially useful. It prevents small parts from getting lost, which is a common frustration during disassembly.

However, the universal design means that some cutouts are not perfectly tailored to specific firearms. This can sometimes require a bit of improvisation. Despite this, the benefits of the block outweigh the minor inconveniences.

Design & Ergonomics

The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block has a functional, if somewhat basic, design. The black and gray color scheme is unobtrusive, and the overall shape is ergonomic enough for comfortable use.

The block’s weight provides a good level of stability on the workbench. However, the lack of rubber feet on the bottom can sometimes cause it to slide around slightly, especially on slick surfaces.

Durability & Maintenance

The polymer construction of the Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block appears to be quite durable. After months of use and exposure to various solvents, it shows no signs of degradation.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. The solvent-resistant material ensures that it won’t be damaged by common gun cleaning products.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block comes with a built-in 1911 barrel bushing tool and a mainspring removal tool. These are handy additions for anyone who frequently works on 1911 pistols.

There are no other readily apparent customization options for the block itself. However, its universal design makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket gunsmithing tools and accessories. This allows users to personalize their workspace further.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block

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Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block?

The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block is perfect for:

• Gun owners who perform their own cleaning, maintenance, and basic repairs.
• 1911 enthusiasts who will appreciate the included barrel bushing and mainspring removal tools.
• Anyone looking for a more organized and efficient gunsmithing workspace.

Who should skip this product?

• Professional gunsmiths who may require more specialized and precision-engineered tools.
• Those who only occasionally clean their firearms and don’t perform any modifications or repairs.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Consider adding a non-slip mat underneath the block to prevent it from sliding around on the workbench.

Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block

The Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block is a solid and affordable tool that offers a significant improvement over makeshift gunsmithing setups. While the universal design isn’t perfect, the benefits of the magnetic retention, durable construction, and included 1911 tools outweigh the minor drawbacks.

The price of $19.99 is more than justified. It makes this block an excellent value for anyone looking to upgrade their gun maintenance process. I would personally recommend the Birchwood Casey Armorers Bench Block to any gun owner who wants a more organized, efficient, and protected workspace. Upgrade your gunsmithing game and say goodbye to lost parts!