Gear Grab: Apex Tactical Armorer's Block

Taking down a Smith & Wesson M&P or Glock pistol for basic maintenance and cleaning is easy to do, but sometimes, modifications or maintenance is required that needs more break-down. The Apex Tactical Armorer's Block is billed as the ideal tool for gunsmiths, armorers and DIY tinkerers to use for detailed disassembly.

The Armorer's Block works by providing a stable support frame for complete tear-downs of any size or caliber Glock or S&W M&P pistol. The set-up will also support M&P Shield pistol models, as well as S&W pistols equipped with a thumb safety.

The block uses a number of adjustable bosses that can be positioned to support the pistol frames, while a number of slots and holes are designed to relieve pressure at critical points on the pistol while the end user drives out pins and other secured elements. During disassembly, the thumb safety and magazine-disconnect safety fall harmlessly into the holes and slots inside the block.

The Apex Tactical Armorer's Block features useable points on either side of the tool. On one side, the block incorporates molding that allows for easy disassembly of the .45 striker, while the reverse side of the tool allows for the disassembly of the 9 mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG striker assemblies. The raised edges located on either side of the block are designed to place the trigger bar inside of the trigger, eliminating headaches when swapping out trigger assemblies.

The block is constructed from high-density polymer in order to prevent damage or marring of pistol frames. The total size of the block is 7 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches in height. The tool also works in conjunction with the Apex Armorer's Tray, Shield Trigger Assembly Block and Fat-Faced Trigger Assembly Block.

The Apex Armorer's Tray, shown above, is designed to pair up with the Armorer's Block and features a lowered surface with a magnetized ring on the underside of the tray that is designed to capture small metal parts and prevent them from flying off the work table.

The suggested retail price for the Apex Tactical Armorer's Block is $29.95.