Sig Sauer SBX vs SB15 Arm Brace Dimensions

Posted by on Jan 9, 2015 in Articles, New Products, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Sig Sauer SBX vs SB15 Arm Brace Dimensions

Sig Sauer SBX vs SB15 Arm Brace Dimensions

We will probably hear ten different reasons why a second version came out, and thankfully everything you read from the internet is true. I will entertain a couple of them for you guys. One speculation was that due to it’s stock like appearance they wanted to move to a model that was more “brace” like to further avoid any “Stock” debates. Another speculation is that the SBX is just a pure upgrade to the SB15, thinner and lighter. I want to review the apparent dimensional changes and design tweaks they incorporated. Weight comparison. SBX weighs 9.7oz SB15 weighs 11.9oz   Here you can see how the SB15 gets some of its additional structure support from its polygonal shape compared to the SBX which has squared off shape. The SBX incorporated a larger velcro strap for additional stability. I have yet to tell the difference between the two in stability, so the larger improved strap may, or may not be to thank for it. Side by side, the SBX has a shorter height. The SB15 has a thicker structure for sure, the SBX was slimmed down and also fluting, this is definitely one of the places they shaved off some of the weight. Calipers on the fluting Caliper on the thicker part of the brace Side by side refernce   Now the SB15 and SBx have the same dimensions for mounting to the buffer tube. But where they differ most drastically is the length of each brace. The new SBX brace is shorter and the back end is closed off now. Now because the back end is closed off on the SBX, that will limit how far down the buffer tube you can mount it. I have the SBX mounted as far forward as it can go and you can see the gap that is left in front of the SBX on the KaK Super Sig Tube.   I am unsure how I feel about the new SBX. I say this in a positive way! If I don’t hate it means they did not sacrifice anything in this new version, if I don’t love it means you don’t need to run out to replace your current SB15. This is just an article about...

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Gem State Armory, Armorers Wrench & Rainier Switch Installation

Posted by on Nov 20, 2014 in Articles, New Products | Comments Off on Gem State Armory, Armorers Wrench & Rainier Switch Installation

Gem State Armory, Armorers Wrench & Rainier Switch Installation

I had a hard time deciding one what to write about first, the difficulties I had installing the Rainier Arms Switch handguard, or the success I attained with Gem State Armory’s Wrench. I guess for this one I will start with the problem that introduced me to one of the best wrenches on the market! So we were putting together a 308 upper and decided to use the new Rainier Arms Switch handguard which is made by Fortis MFG. in WA. The difference is minute, the Rainier version just has an awesome angled cut in the front similar to diamondhead’s handguard, but in a lighter fashion. The Switch handguard has a lever to lock the handguard onto the proprietary barrel nut that came with the handguard. This way if you wanted to change out handguards, you can. I don’t know why you would want to change between other switch handguards, so if any of you have an idea why you would, PLEASE comment and let us know! From what I gather, they had a previous barrel nut design that required indexing vs this new design which you just torqued the nut to spec and it was good to go. Where I ran into a problem was with the new barrel nut and the bull barrel (Rainier Arms 308 UltraMatch), none of my adapters or wrenches would fit! Here you can see the standard ar10 style pinned adapter wont fit around the barrel.   I contacted Gem State Armory (G.S.A.) and asked them if I had ordered the wrong adapter. Jeff, the Owner of G.S.A. contacted me to help me figure out what was going on. After corresponding back and forth is when we figured out that Fortis/Rainier changed the design and we were able to figure out the specs for a new adapter to work with the new nut and bull barrel.   Final Product! Adapter fits like a glove! Here I am starting to crank it down. I completed the install with my torque wrench inserted into the 1/2″ drive port. Now that we got the problems solved of torquing down the barrel nut, now we can talk about the solution bringer! The Gem State Armory wrench is made from...

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