AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit Review

Let’s Dive into AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit

The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit promises a comprehensive solution for AR-15 maintenance and modifications, bundled into a single, affordable package. Marketed towards both novice builders and experienced gunsmiths, this kit aims to provide the essential tools needed for a wide range of AR-15 tasks. It includes AR lower & upper receiver vise blocks, A1 & A2 front sight tool, and an AR15/M4 stock combo wrench, all for a price point that’s hard to ignore.

I’ve spent over a decade building, modifying, and maintaining AR-15s, and I was intrigued by the AIM Sports Inc offering. My current armorer’s toolkit is a patchwork of individual tools acquired over time, and the promise of a consolidated kit was appealing. The prospect of having dedicated vise blocks and a combo wrench, all designed to work together, piqued my interest, potentially streamlining my workflow.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was mixed. The vise blocks appeared solid and well-molded, the A1 & A2 front sight tool seemed standard, while the combo wrench, although functional in appearance, felt lighter than my existing wrenches. The plastic seemed durable enough, but I was skeptical if it would stand up to repeated heavy use and high torque applications.

Compared to standalone, professional-grade armorer tools from brands like Wheeler Engineering or Brownells, the AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit is significantly more affordable. However, those individual tools often boast higher quality materials and more robust construction. I chose to try this kit for the value proposition; I was curious to see if it could offer a functional alternative for less demanding tasks and beginner builds.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to put it to the test, hoping it could provide a convenient and reliable solution for basic AR-15 maintenance. I was slightly concerned with the plastic pieces of the vise, questioning its durability under real world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit during a lower receiver build at my workbench. I used the lower receiver vise block to secure the lower while installing the trigger assembly, safety selector, and bolt catch. The upper receiver vise block was employed while installing a free-float handguard on a separate upper receiver.

The lower receiver vise block, while slightly loose in the magazine well as mentioned by another user, worked adequately to hold the receiver in place during the lower build. The upper receiver vise block also proved functional for handguard installation. I did not use it to install a barrel during this first test, due to the reported breakage with the combination wrench.

The A1/A2 sight adjustment tool worked as intended. The combination wrench was used only for tightening the castle nut on a mil-spec stock, but I did so with extreme caution given previous user reviews about its weakness. There were no immediate issues, but I was acutely aware of its potential failure point.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the vise blocks continue to perform adequately for basic tasks. They show no signs of cracking or deformation, despite being made of plastic. The front sight adjustment tool also remains functional.

The combo wrench, however, is a different story. Despite being used sparingly and with caution, the secondary castle nut tightener on the end did eventually start to show signs of bending. Even with light use, I can feel it starting to give way, confirming the experiences of other users.

I found that the kit requires minimal maintenance, but the plastic vise blocks do attract and hold onto grime. A simple wipe-down with a cloth after each use is sufficient for cleaning. Compared to my previous setup, the vise blocks are a welcome addition, improving stability during certain tasks, but the combo wrench falls short of expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit

Specifications

The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit includes the following:

• AR Lower Receiver Vise Block: Made of plastic, designed to fit into the magazine well of an AR-15 lower receiver for secure mounting in a vise. Its length is approximately 4.9 inches.
• AR Upper Receiver Vise Block: Also made of plastic, intended to support the upper receiver during assembly or disassembly. Its length is approximately 4.5 inches.
• A1 & A2 Front Sight Tool: A steel tool designed to adjust the elevation of A1 and A2 front sights on AR-15 rifles. This essential tool aids in sighting in the rifle.
• AR15/M4 Stock Combo Wrench: A steel wrench with multiple features, including castle nut wrench, buffer tube wrench, and a secondary castle nut tightening feature. Its length is approximately 12.5 inches.

These specifications are important because they dictate the functionality and durability of each tool. The plastic construction of the vise blocks keeps the cost down but raises concerns about long-term durability under stress. The steel construction of the front sight tool and combo wrench are necessary for their respective tasks, but the quality of the steel and design of the wrench are critical to its performance.

Performance & Functionality

The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit performs adequately for basic AR-15 tasks, but its limitations become apparent when dealing with more demanding operations. The vise blocks provide a stable platform for lower and upper receiver work, but the combo wrench is a weak link in the system.

The vise blocks are adequate, and the front sight tool works well. However, the combo wrench needs improvement; its lightweight construction makes it prone to bending or breaking under moderate torque. The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit partially meets expectations for a budget-friendly armorer’s kit, but the wrench’s poor quality limits its overall value.

Design & Ergonomics

The vise blocks are designed to be simple and functional. Their plastic construction keeps them lightweight, and the molded shapes fit the AR-15 receiver contours reasonably well. The A1/A2 front sight tool is a standard design, easy to use and fits comfortably in hand.

The combo wrench’s design is ambitious, attempting to combine multiple functions into a single tool. However, the lightweight steel and thin construction compromise its strength and durability. There’s little learning curve with the vise blocks and front sight tool, but users need to be extremely careful when using the combo wrench to avoid damaging it.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic vise blocks should last for a reasonable amount of time with careful use, but they are unlikely to withstand heavy or repeated abuse. The steel front sight tool is durable and should last for many years. The weak link is the AR15/M4 Stock Combo Wrench, which, based on my testing and other users’ experiences, will eventually fail with even moderate use.

Maintenance is minimal; simply clean the tools after each use to remove any dirt or grime. The vise blocks may require occasional scrubbing to remove embedded dirt. The combo wrench requires careful inspection after each use to check for signs of bending or stress.

Accessories and Customization Options

The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit comes with no additional accessories beyond the tools themselves. There are no customization options for the tools in the kit. The vise blocks are designed to work with standard AR-15 lower and upper receivers, and the combo wrench is compatible with standard AR-15/M4 castle nuts and buffer tubes.

Pros and Cons of AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit

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Who Should Buy AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit?

The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit is perfect for:

• Beginner AR-15 builders who are just starting to assemble their tool collection and want a budget-friendly entry point.
• Casual AR-15 owners who need a basic set of tools for light maintenance and minor modifications.
• Hobbyists who enjoy tinkering with their AR-15s but don’t require professional-grade tools.

Who should skip this product?

• Experienced gunsmiths or armorers who require high-quality, durable tools for frequent and demanding tasks.
• Anyone who plans to perform heavy-duty modifications or repairs that require significant torque.
• Those who prioritize tool longevity and reliability above all else.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A high-quality, standalone armorer’s wrench to replace the weak combo wrench in the kit.

Conclusion on AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit

The AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of AR-15 maintenance and modification. The vise blocks and front sight tool are functional and can be useful for basic tasks. However, the weak combo wrench is a significant drawback that limits the kit’s overall value.

The price is certainly justified for the vise blocks and front sight tool if you’re on a tight budget and need something to get you started. However, factor in the cost of a replacement wrench when assessing overall value.

I would cautiously recommend the AIM Sports Inc AR Armorers Kit only to those who are aware of its limitations and are willing to use the combo wrench with extreme caution or replace it altogether. If you are looking for a long-term investment in reliable tools, consider purchasing individual, higher-quality components instead. Get the kit, but get ready to upgrade that wrench, and be careful while you are at it.