Supernova, have you ever posted how you got the bayonet off and moved the front site? I'd really like to do this and I'm not a complete ass when it comes to metalwork. Is it just cross pins and mallet work? Did you have to file a new pin slot on the barrel?
Local place still has some refurbs for about $170 I might pick one up to tweak on. Thanks.
The bayonet lug/fsb came off by drifting out the two pins, heating it with a propane torch and using a brass drift/bfh on the bayo lug. I clamped the barrel in my workmate using the gas block as a stop. Then I cut it to length to give me about 1/2" of exposed barrel, opened it up a little as the barrel and FSB taper to friction fit, then filed a new pin slot.