front disassembly

[tmckay2]

anyone have some good advice on how to take off a flash hider and front sight without an upper reciever block?

[mightymouse]

Gunsmith if you're not going to use/buy the correct tools.

[tmckay2]

alright, then does anyone know where to buy the tools without having to go online? id like to pick them up asap and not have to wait on shipping

[Ridge]

Flattop or A2?

Actually, it doesnt matter. Get the proper sized wrench for the flash hider (19mm I think?). Assemble the rifle (make sure its empty)
Hold it in place between your thighs while sitting down in a chair. Crank on the flash hider until it comes loose. Then you can unscrew it with your hands.

As for the front sight post, lay it down flat, right side down (looking down the sights right side). You will need a punch set (I got mine from Lowes).
Support the front sight with a couple 2x4s (one under the top, one under the bottom bayonet lug). It'll take a serious whack or two each pin to loosen them. After that, you can tap them out.
Apply some grease or lube to the barrel in front of the sight (I've heard CLP works) and tap the sight post off with a rubber mallet.

Reverse for re-installation.

[tmckay2]

thanks. am i at any risk to damage the rifle?

the flash hider is on TIGHT so if the between the thighs doesn't work, what about getting a padded clamp and clamping the body to a table and trying it that way? i just don't want to have to drop more money on the tools or a smith

[Ridge]

If you have a flat top, you could put some small pieces of wood on top and bottom of the receiver and put it on a desk vise. However it COULD slip out under torque.

Mine was on tight, too. I cranked and cranked. Two sore arms and two very sore thighs later, it was off.

I think the most you could do to damage the weapon is possibly scratching or marring the barrel removing the post. If your aim is bad, you could beat the crap out of the barrel :P

[tmckay2]

yay! got the flash hider off. wowsers, that is some serious work. i imagine after doing it a few times itll be easier, but yikes, that was painful. i think getting the front sight shouldn't be quite as bad. thanks again for the help

[Great-Kazoo]

w/out correct tools, use a heat gun on f/hider prior to removing. this way If there for soem reason is loc-titr(r) you don't fu^&*k something up. the f/hider is SAE not metric.
stop being in a hurry by the tools OR (unique idea) ask for help from some of the members on board. This way when i read Need Help Screwed up my gas block post, i know it will not be you posting.

[BadShot]

Yup, plenty of us around here with the correct tools and willingness to help a fellow member out if you just ask.

[tmckay2]

having the tools is handy, but if it can be done without them i don't see why not do it. its cheaper, and so long as you know the potential pit falls, safe for the firearm. but im new to the ar world and want to double check with options and possibly problems that could arise by asking more knowledgeable people. some people love having every possible tool there is. some like having none. its just their opinion. asking people for help is something id do for last resort, but im not going to borrow someones tools when its not needed. if it turned out there was no way to get them off then sure.

at any rate, flash hider and front sight base removed, not a single ding or scratch, id call it a success. thanks for the help

[Ridge]

Well done. I plan on doing the same in the future when I can afford a nice long rail to add lots of extra weight to my weapon :P

[tmckay2]

ive heard rumors that using some pb blaster or penetrating oil and using a blow dryer on the barrel nut can help lossen it up. any experience with this anyone? ive got the thing viced and have the armorer's tool or multi tool whatever, and just crank the living daylights out of it and can't get it to budge.

[Ridge]

A heat gun on the front sight base can cause it to expand a bit, releasing its grip on the barrel....

[Ridge]

Well like I said, they were sore as hell afterwards :P

[tmckay2]

yeah lets just say i never wanna do it again. my arms and legs were killing me