i have a psa ar-15 mid length MOA rifle. i would like to upgrade to a rail type handguard and do away with the factory front sight/gas block. it is pinned and i wonder if i have to use a pinned replacement or can i go with a set screw/clamp type?
I’m pretty sure you can, even if I’ve never done it. The biggest consideration is the length of the gas tube, the next would probably be the barrel profile (or vice versa) for the new gas block. There might be other considerations i.e., mount type for the new hand guard.
You can do either. The pins are taper pins so make sure you remove them correctly.
1 Like
thanks for the replies. is my barrel dimpled for a set screw type gas block? is that needed?
If you have a front sight base/block then probably not as the barrel would be drilled for the pins. A clamp on gas block would be best.
4 Likes
thanks for the tip
1 Like
this is correct, however on the PSA barrel that i had removed my FSB from before it was incredibly tight and took a heck of a lot of work, even hammering it correctly from the correct side due to knowing that it had taper pins to begin with… that sucker just didnt wanna back those pins out. Take your time, and go slowly, use a 5 lb hammer with enough weight on it to make a differeence when you actually smack it, and you should hopefully be ok.
Dead blow helps.
1 Like
very much so.
Hey dan,
Welcome to the AR life.
Another option is to modify the existing sight tower/gas block.
I recently mustered up the courage to try this.
Now I sleep better knowing those two taper pins are super secure and I can still use a free float handguard.
Also, regarding removing the pins, a heat gun and candle wax can help get them out.
Have Fun!
yeah ive also took a cut off wheel to a A-post gas black with good results
And still fit a free float hand guard?
Samson makes a rail that works with a standard barrel nut for those that chop the FSB.
yeah, basically turns it into a low profile block
1 Like
Nice
To be clear, though, you still need to remove the gas block to get a new barrel nut on for your free float rail, right? Unless you’re talking about the type that clamps over a milspec barrel nut.
Correct. There are several companies that make rails that work with a standard barrel nut so you dont have to remove it.
2 Likes