front sight gas block

[hicaliber]

I have a flat top AR with a regular front sight tower and would like to change to a flip up front sight to allow me to use optics without a riser.
If I understand it I will need to use a front sight gas block to mount the flip up sight to. Is this correct and if so how difficult is it to remove the front sight and install the gas bloc?
Do I need any special tools?

Thanks in advance

 

[ckc123]

Assemble your own AR15 rifle from parts.... for dummies.

http://w ww.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

everything you need to know

 

[Stevo]

What type of optic are you using?

 

[banger]

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...itle=AR-15/M16 CLAMP-ON FRONT SIGHT GAS BLOCK

i have one if you want? shoot me a pm

 

[acrashb]

Is this correct
[...]
how difficult is it to remove the front sight and install the gas bloc?
[...]
Do I need any special tools?

1) generally, yes. You could also do a low-profile block and run a rail system over it, then put a front sight on the rail system. This is more cool and give you more rail space, but is more expensive and heavy.

2) depends on how tightly attached your front sight currently is. Could be easy, could be a bigger hammer and some cursing.

3) hammer, punch for removal. Small punch to push out the gas tube pin. Allen keys (typically) for installation of the pic gas block.

If you're going bolt-on (either a pic block or a flip-up block, sight built-in), I'd go with the pinch style. That's like the triple clamps that hold the forks on a motorcycle. They're the most secure type of non-pinned block.

Here's an option from GG&G, uses taper pins:

Here's the pinch-style:

And here, the less-desireable clamp-on style:

Finally, the least-desirable set-screw type:

 

[667]

I replaced my A2 sight tower with a YHM flip up sight/gas block.


'Took a whole ten minutes.

 

[hicaliber]

What type of optic are you using?

Low power scope like a 1x-4x, not sure exactly which one.

acrashb, thanks that's exactly what I was looking for.

 

[TDC]

with magnified, even low mag optics the front sight is a non issue. I run an Accupoint 1.25-4x with a standard FSB and have zero issues at all power settings. I would stick with the standard FSB to avoid the hassle of removing it and the potential to have gas system issues. If you desire a folding front sight I would recommend cutting the top of the standard FSB and running a front sight on a railed handguard.

TDC

 

[KyleM]

I have an Acog TA01NSN on an upper with a standard front sight tower... it just disappears in the scope. Don't even worry about it...

 

[hicaliber]

TDC, KyleM, thanks I will try it before I change my front sight out.

 

[OldRanger]

tagg for referance

 

[furet]

On my 16" I dremel'd the front sight off above the gas tube, then I installed a 10" free-float handguard over it, then added a rail front sight. $$$

If you want to go the clamp style I like the PRI very much. Get it in 0.75" for standard barrels, stay away from the set screw versions.

Mounted on my gun:

IIRC The GGG with the pinned block needs to be done at GGG since barrels that have been pinned don't have them all in the same exact spot. (I checked on GGG website, needs to be sent for installation)

 

[acrashb]

I checked on GGG website, needs to be sent for installation

Good to know.