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Posted: 2/23/2005 7:32:20 PM EDT
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OK, guys. Here it is. I ordered a 20" A2 barrel to replace the 20" HBAR on my Colt. The barrel is stripped, just the barrel and extension. I know I need a front sight base assembly, front handguard retainer, delta ring and springs, the retaining ring for same, barrel nut and a gas tube. I've been reading up on the procedure to change barrels and, aside from buying some tools, shouldn't be a problem, with one possible exception. How the hell do you put the front sight base on? Is it as simple as tapping it onto the barrel and putting the pins in? How hard do the pins have to be driven in? I've seen all sorts of horror posts about removing the pins, are they as hard to put in as they are to remove? Any schematic drawings to make sure I have everything I need? Thanks for the help. I've assembled a FrankenFAL onto a stripped Imbel lower with just simple hand tools so this shouldn't be too bad, just a matter of getting the parts and some tools and doing it. I did the search thing and couldn't come up with anything. Truth to tell, I'm a little imtimidated by this. I want it to look good and work well. With the FAL, it was a S African kit and, truth to tell, the parts look like shit but it works well. I'm hoping that, just by looking, it will look as it did from the factory, all except the "Colt Sporter Match HBAR" stamping on the lower and having an A2 barrel. Again, thanks for the help. Bub |
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Sorry that I don't have an answer for you, but I will soon be getting a DPMS barrel for my first build. It will have the standard FSB on it, which I will be removing. Hopefully without screwing it up. I will be putting on the YHM flip FSB which is a clamp-on. I'm wondering how you line up the gas port between the FSB and the barrel. Can you just eyeball it, or is there a special tool? If the base is pinned, then it will be lined up already. Just curious. Sorry to piggyback! cd |
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The pin holes in your new barrel, assuming that it had a FSB installed at one time, will probably not line up with the holes in your new FSB. There is no industry standard as to exactly where the holes should be drilled, and they vary from barrel to barrel, even when they are drilled by the same company on the same day. It's not a job for an hobbyist and if you want the job done properly I would suggest you send it out and get it done professionally. Trust me, I've done it once and have no desire to attempt it again. |
Wonderful. Just wonderful. I was hoping you guys would tell me it was going to be simple and easy. I still have the HBAR barrel on the Colt and I'd already planned on leaving it there till I get the A2 barrel assembled. Sounds like it's probably a good thing I'm leaving it on. I'll give it a try, I hate to send stuff out if I can do it myself. And, like I said, I've built a FAL, for God's sake! Compared to some of that, an AR should be a piece of cake. As soon as I get the barrel and the parts, I'll let you all know how difficult it was. If it's too bad, the wife may hate me for cussing and throwing tools! Bub |
| Instead of using a pinned FSB, many accuracy 'smiths use one held in place by 4 set screws; however, it requires flats to be milled on the barrel. An added benefit is that the screws can be used to center the windage. I'd recommend sending it to John Holliger at White Oak Precision; his work is first-rate and reasonably priced. |
ronemus, Thanks for the suggestion, it does seem easier than pinning the sight base. However, I'm gonna try and pin it. I want it to be strong and as close to original as possible. I appreciate the suggestion, though. Bub |
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You can get a FSB that doesn't have the holes drilled at:BRAVO COMPANY. |
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