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1/23/2003 7:51:59 AM EDT
Well this hasn't been posted in the last 30 days so here goes.

I'm attempting to install a free float tube on my AR. But for some reason I cannot get the pins out of the front sight to remove it.

I've removed sights from 2 other ARs and they were not this hard.

I need some tips and tricks to get these stubborn pins out. Thanks
1/23/2003 3:55:20 PM EDT
[#1]
Since you're calibrated on how hard it is to get those things out already - I'll assume that you tried tapping from the other side as somebody might have put them in backwards ... and you've used penetrating oil over night ... try some gentle heat. The idea is to expand the holes a tiny bit - enough to get to tapping. A butane torch is a tiny bit cooler then a propane one - you'll scorch the blacked gas block a bit but it shouldn't be noticable and cleans with a bit of 409.

Heat the thing up too hot to the touch and start tapping. Sometimes lots of little taps are needed to get the thing moving.

Good luck.
1/23/2003 3:57:00 PM EDT
[#2]
I had to put one of my barrel assemblies in the freezer overnight. Good luck!
1/23/2003 7:19:55 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks, folks.  I'll try the freezer first. Then I'll borrow a torch and try that if it doesn't work.

Your correct Paul, I tried the oil, and tapping on both ends etc.

Thanks for the good luck wishes I'll need it.
1/24/2003 10:02:05 AM EDT
[#4]
Could someone verfy just to make sure which side of the front sight I should be pounding on to get the tapered pins out?

1/24/2003 5:44:55 PM EDT
[#5]
As sighting down the barrel, remove the pins from the left side. Install from the right. Ask me how I know; I have a new sight assembly in front of me. Sometimes it's difficult to determine which end is larger/smaller.

Again, good luck! [beer]
1/25/2003 3:42:21 PM EDT
[#6]
I got it!!!! Those things were in there very tight.  This is how I finally got them out.  I soaked again for a couple of days in penetrating oil, dried that off really good and heated the pins up with a torch, then I got a big bob marley punch (bigger than the one I was using) and smacked the daylights out of it with a 17 oz hammer.  They finally came out and boy was I relieved.

Thank you everyone for your help!!

[img]http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/vrloch/cav4hs.jpg[/img]

Looks nice [;)]
1/25/2003 4:13:21 PM EDT
[#7]
Good job, looks nice. [:D]
1/25/2003 4:21:12 PM EDT
[#8]
Making a sweet little ultralight there, huh?
1/26/2003 5:32:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Outstanding! [beer]
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