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Posted: 7/9/2012 4:11:17 PM EDT
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I have a new PSA CHF 16'' middy upper. I really don't want the FSB and 9'' rail. So I was thinking of sending my upper off to adco and have them put on a Lo-pro gas block and maybe a DD or Larue 12'' rail. Currently have a Troy 9'' battle rail. Does that sound like a reasonably good idea?
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Is that a shaved FSB or gas block? I'm new to doing uppers...
Thanks EDIT- I also see that Troy's MRF 12'' rail doesn't need the barrel or FSB to come off. I would obviously have to shave it though, could do it with it still on the barrel. I really want a FDE rail. My other choice is the Larue 12''....I just wish it came in FDE (I could always use FDE rail/ladder covers I guess) |
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A lot of people have no problems removing the FSB and replacing it with a low pro file gas block. You don't need that special tool.
I would get one of those extended low pro gas blocks so that it covers all of the surface where the original FSB was. You shouldn't have any problems installing your low pro gas block either. Same with installing the hand guard. It's all pretty basic stuff as long as you have a cheapo punch set, a hammer, use of a vice and basic stuff like that. As far as removing & replacing the barrel nut (if needed) ... ya just need a vice and a barrel nut wrench or AR-15 armorer's wrench. Many prefer to use a torque wrench when tightening the barrel nut, but many don't. You can buy a torque wrench from a local auto parts store for about $40, use it and return it the next day if needed. A lot of people don't even bother with using an upper receiver vice block. They clamp the upper receiver between 2 pieces of 2x4 and they're good to go. I really like the looks of the Seekins Precision Quad Rails 
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Replacing parts on the upper is really not bad.
If you can build a lower, you have the technical prowess to build an upper. I just build a 16" middy-upper for the first time with a friend of mine, it went together really well. Just remember to use lots of gun oil when working off the FSB and installing the new one. take your time to clock everything and you will be fine. Definitely worth the investment in the tools, unless of course, the company you are buying from is offering to do the job for $15 or something. Best of luck to you. |
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Quoted:
Is that a shaved FSB or gas block? I'm new to doing uppers... Thanks EDIT- I also see that Troy's MRF 12'' rail doesn't need the barrel or FSB to come off. I would obviously have to shave it though, could do it with it still on the barrel. I really want a FDE rail. My other choice is the Larue 12''....I just wish it came in FDE (I could always use FDE rail/ladder covers I guess) It's a shaved front sight block - that was on MY PSA CHF 16" mid length - because I couldn't get the pins out - after trying for about an hour. Yes, I've done it before - my BCM pins came out in about 4 minutes. PSA pins are notorious for being ridiculously hard to get out. A pinned gas block is exponentially better than a clamp on or set screw version, so I just chopped the FSB while on the barrel. First one took me a little over 3 hours (going slow in uncharted waters). The second about 2 hours. If you're going to chop or get a lo pro, a 2 piece is not needed if you're going to overextend the gas block with the handguards. If the handguards will fit over the gas block, a 1 piece tube can slide over it for installation. There are a few you tube videos of people chopping their FSB. Just remember - go slow. Don't grind down into the gas portion of the block. Don't bother trying to remove the handguard cap - just grind it down in profile with the FSB. Finally - you DO NOT have to achieve the "lo pro" gas block profile - takes a lot of time - and in my opinion, more time holding the grinder is more time to mess something up. A simple straight line from the gas housing down the barrel bands works fine. EDIT: Just read where you have a Troy battle rail. 1 piece or 2 piece? If 1 piece, you might be SOL if you can't get the FSB off, You can't cut down the FSB on the barrel if you can't get the handguards off; and you can't get the 1 piece handguards off if you can't get the FSB off, which if you can, the whole point is moot...... |
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