AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/13/2007 6:22:36 AM EDT
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I have been lurking on this site for some time now and I have finally decided to get a mid-length four rail for my AR but I think I may have ran into a stumbling block. I have a 14.5" heavy barrel with a fixed Phantom flash hider. Is it possible to remove the front sight post? Would this have to be cut off? I plan on having this all done at a local shop here in town but I am ordering the rail system online. If this is the case, a mid-length rail system is a no-go. What are my options for removing the front sight post and installing a gas block? Thanks for taking the time to answer. |
Click on the MI button above and take a look at the extended FF rail system that overlaps your current FSB and installs so easily you can do it yourself...... mike eta - pic - see 2nd from the left here below for look of it (CMMG 6.8mm upper w/ MI FF rail/KAC panels and VFG) 
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I'm leaning towards a flip up front sight. So cutting the front sight post off of the barrel would not be an issue. I was just curious to see if that was the only option available in my case. MI is great, I've got a single point sling adapter from them. Thanks for pointing out other options. |
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The FSB comes off the barrel. You need to drive out the two pins holding it on the barrel. Some barells have taper pins, some are straight pins. Either way, they are difficult to punch out. One this is done, most barrels are not parkerized under the two attaching lugs. LaRue and Daniel Defense both make gas blocks that completely cover that area. Seeing that you have a fixed flash suppressor, you can remove and replace that as well. You will need to pull it off to install the gas block. There are a few split gasblocks on the market too so you could cut off just the FSB as you have described. |
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Well they called me today and I went and picked up my upper. The free float rail was installed w/ a flip up front sight and a low profile gas block. The Gun Smith told me that he removed my flash hider instead of cutting the FSB off and installed a new flash hider. Here is where I think there may be a problem... Originally I had a phantom flash hider (pinned) that brought the entire length of the barrel and flash hider to 16" making it "legal" as the barrel is 14.5 and I do not have a registered SBR lower. The new flash hider that was installed is the typical bird cage type, that is only 1 inch long. When measured out, it is 15.5" The flash hider has been re-pinned and is not removable unless I drill it out. I didn't realize this until I brought it home. He said he would call on Monday and figure out if we need to change that or just leave it alone. Am I running a risk of keeping it or should I have a new flash hider installed (better be free of charge) that brings the entire length back to 16"?? |
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Did you check the length by sliding something down the barrel until it contacts the bolt face and then measuring (e.g. cleaning rod)? If it's any less than 16", you own an unregistered SBR. That's a problem. Is it something that you'd more than likely get away with? Sure. Do you want to risk it? That's your call. I'd get it corrected ASAP. |
No I measured basically from the Upper to the end of the flash hider. Hopefully the gunsmith can put back on a flash hider that is 1.5" so that I'm at least 16" plus. Free of charge, as it was more then corrected when I gave it to him for the work. It was not my intention for this to occur. I want to be squared away in every aspect. |
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If you have a standard birdcage on a 14.5 inch barrel you are a bit under. Someone was making a birdcage that was longer at one time I think but I don't recall for sure. Close the bolt, drop in a rod and mark the end of the flash hider. If it isn't 16" then he gets to make it right. Joe |
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Looks like he gets to make it right. By measuring the a cleaning rob it is just shy of 16. Not good :-( I am kind of bummed b/c I am heading out of town and it would make me rest easier to know my weapon is in my safe at my home, instead of sitting at a gunshop over the holidays. |
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Well I am heading out of town, so I left the upper w/ him. He said he would contact ATF and figure out exactly what needs to be done to make sure neither him nor I run into any problems. He seems to think having a pinned FH on the barrel is all that is needed. I'm sure he will stand corrected once he gets a hold of ATF. In my mind I don't think I should pay for anything as he is the one that made it how it is, but I'm sure he won't think the same. When I get back into town (Jan 4th 08) it should be corrected. |
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