AR front sight removal

Mad Hatter · 12-28-2007, 08:21 AM

I am trying to install a Hogue handgaurd on my old SP-1 which requires removing the front sight and gas tube. I have tried to drift out the two retaining pins, but can't budge them at all. (And I am going in the right direction). Any thoughts on the best way to remove them ?

utahvarminter · 12-28-2007, 10:26 AM

Advice. Don't.

Screws up your accuracy, may devalue the gun. If you have an original Colt SP-1 (Green Label?) Please, for the love of humanity, don't deface a thing of beauty!

If you REALLY want to, take it to a gun smith. Don't try and do it yourself unless you are experienced, or are ready to destroy your gun.

madcratebuilder · 12-29-2007, 10:36 AM

What utahvarminter said. The front sight/gas block is held on by two tapered pins. You have to know what direction to drive them out, plus it can take a heavy hammer to get them started. The gas block must be supported. You can fubar the gas block if your unsure of what your doing. Have a gumsmith do it, shouldn't cost much.

After rereading your post a second time, it does sound like you know what your doing. soak the pins with penetrating oil, overnight, than apply a SMALL amount of heat. I use a piece of 2x4 with a cut out to support the gas block, and drilled for the pins. A 32oz hammer for that first blow gets everything moving, then just tap them out.

at4rxj · 12-29-2007, 05:20 PM

^^
What he said. Make sure you pay attention to the taper. They only go one way.

Mad Hatter · 12-30-2007, 04:44 PM

Thanks guys !! Just trying not to mar it up etc..

ouch · 12-30-2007, 06:17 PM

Have you tried a die grinder?
I am an iron sight shooter but do what your want.

Uncle Red · 12-30-2007, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ouch

Have you tried a die grinder?

...and a 10# sledge!

-UR

evilblackrifle · 01-01-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

I am trying to install a Hogue handgaurd on my old SP-1 which requires removing the front sight and gas tube. I have tried to drift out the two retaining pins, but can't budge them at all. (And I am going in the right direction). Any thoughts on the best way to remove them ?

Maybe this will help. Its not a hard job.

Varmints Den AR-15 Tech Section

12-28-2007, 08:21 AM	#1
Mad Hatter Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 592	AR front sight removal I am trying to install a Hogue handgaurd on my old SP-1 which requires removing the front sight and gas tube. I have tried to drift out the two retaining pins, but can't budge them at all. (And I am going in the right direction). Any thoughts on the best way to remove them ?

12-28-2007, 10:26 AM	#2
utahvarminter Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 487	Advice. Don't. Screws up your accuracy, may devalue the gun. If you have an original Colt SP-1 (Green Label?) Please, for the love of humanity, don't deface a thing of beauty! If you REALLY want to, take it to a gun smith. Don't try and do it yourself unless you are experienced, or are ready to destroy your gun. __________________ My Photo Album

12-29-2007, 10:36 AM	#3
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 562	What utahvarminter said. The front sight/gas block is held on by two tapered pins. You have to know what direction to drive them out, plus it can take a heavy hammer to get them started. The gas block must be supported. You can fubar the gas block if your unsure of what your doing. Have a gumsmith do it, shouldn't cost much. After rereading your post a second time, it does sound like you know what your doing. soak the pins with penetrating oil, overnight, than apply a SMALL amount of heat. I use a piece of 2x4 with a cut out to support the gas block, and drilled for the pins. A 32oz hammer for that first blow gets everything moving, then just tap them out. __________________ The difference between a hot dog and a weenie is a fine line..... Last edited by madcratebuilder; 12-29-2007 at 10:43 AM.

12-29-2007, 05:20 PM	#4
at4rxj Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 851 Images: 10	^^ What he said. Make sure you pay attention to the taper. They only go one way.

12-30-2007, 04:44 PM	#5
Mad Hatter Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 592	Thanks guys !! Just trying not to mar it up etc..

12-30-2007, 06:17 PM	#6
ouch Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ridgerun, Mo Posts: 184	Have you tried a die grinder? I am an iron sight shooter but do what your want.