Safety First
Crucially Important
Before you even consider touching any firearm, the first and most important rule is safety. Always, *always* treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. This means:
Safe Direction: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. This means away from yourself, other people, and anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Finger Off the Trigger: Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Verify Unloaded: Before beginning *any* work on a firearm, absolutely confirm that it is unloaded. Remove the magazine and physically inspect the chamber to ensure there is no ammunition present. Cycle the action several times to be absolutely certain.
Eye Protection: Wear eye protection throughout the process. Metal fragments or pieces of the sight could potentially fly loose.
Organized Workspace: Work in a clean, well-lit space. This allows for better visibility and control during the removal process.
Having a clean and organized workspace will help streamline the process and will make your efforts more efficient and safer.
Tools and Materials – The Essential Arsenal
Having the correct tools is crucial for a successful and damage-free A2 front sight removal. Here is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
Tool List
Bench Vise with Soft Jaws: A stable platform is essential. A bench vise holds the upper receiver securely. Use soft jaws or jaw protectors to avoid scratching or damaging the metal. A vise with a swivel base will be beneficial as well.
A2 Front Sight Tool: This specialized tool is a must-have. It’s designed to depress the detent pin and make removing it much easier. Choose a quality sight tool, and ensure it is compatible with your specific A2 front sight design. Some sight tools have multiple tips to better suit various front sight designs.
Hammer: A basic hammer is indispensable for driving out pins. A brass or aluminum hammer is preferred to prevent damage to the sight base or barrel. Alternatively, a hammer with a non-marring face is also suitable.
Roll Pin Punches: These are the workhorses for driving out the crucial roll pins that hold the front sight base. Select a set of quality roll pin punches in the correct sizes for the A2 front sight. Incorrect punch sizes can damage the pins and the rifle. Ensure that your roll pin punch set has the correct sized punches.
Penetrating Oil: This is your friend when dealing with stubborn parts. Products like PB Blaster or Kroil can help loosen rusted or stuck components.
Small Screwdriver or Pick: Useful for manipulating small parts like the detent pin and spring.
Cleaning Solvent and Lubrication: Optional, but recommended. Use a good cleaning solvent to remove any debris and carbon buildup. A lightweight gun oil is excellent for lubricating the components.
Rag or Paper Towels: Necessary for cleaning and wiping up excess oil or solvent.
With all the necessary equipment readily available, you are ready to proceed.
Preparation – Setting the Stage
The initial steps are crucial to set you up for success.
First, and absolutely critical: **Verify the Rifle is Unloaded.** Double-check the chamber, magazine well, and action. This cannot be stressed enough. Safety is the number one priority.
Once you’ve confirmed the firearm is unloaded, the next step is to secure the upper receiver. Place the upper receiver in the bench vise. Position the vise to grip the upper receiver firmly, but *do not over-tighten*. Excessive force can damage the receiver.
If you anticipate any difficulty in removing the pins, or if the front sight base appears particularly stuck, apply penetrating oil to the pins and base. Let it sit for a while to do its job. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for how long to let the penetrating oil soak into the parts is recommended.
Removing the Sling Swivel
(If applicable). Some A2 front sights have a sling swivel attached to the base. The process for removing this is generally straightforward. Depending on the type of swivel, you may need a small screwdriver to loosen a screw, or simply a pin to remove. Consult your specific sling swivel for its method.
Detent Pins and Gas Tube – Making Way
Now it’s time to start removing the components that allow you to ultimately remove the front sight base.
The front sight detent pin is located on the front sight base. Using the appropriate tool such as the front sight tool, depress the detent pin and spring. This detent pin is responsible for securing the front sight to the gas block and allows the front sight to remain in the correct position. It is imperative that the correct tool is used to depress the pin or else damage to the front sight can be done.
Next, remove the gas tube pin. This is a small roll pin that holds the gas tube in place. Select the appropriate size roll pin punch from your set. Place the punch squarely on the gas tube pin, and use the hammer to gently drive the pin out, away from the barrel. The direction you push the pin out might be indicated by a small indentation on the base itself. Be careful to tap the punch squarely to avoid bending or damaging the pin hole.
With the gas tube pin removed, you can carefully remove the gas tube from the front sight base. This can sometimes require a slight wiggle, but it should slide out easily.
Removing the Front Sight Base – The Heart of the Operation
This is where the bulk of the disassembly lies. Before you begin, ensure the rifle is still securely held in the vise.
First, you need to support the barrel. This is crucial to prevent stressing the upper receiver when hammering on the pins. Place a block of wood or a non-marring material beneath the barrel near the front sight base. This offers proper support and minimizes any chance of damage to your rifle.
Next, the process for removing the front sight base is similar to the gas tube pin removal, but you have to work at two roll pins at once. Locate the two (or three, depending on the model) roll pins that secure the sight base to the barrel. Place the correct size roll pin punch on the top of one of the pins. Remember to drive the pins out from the correct direction. Typically, there’s a slightly raised section on one side of the sight base indicating the correct direction to drive the pins out.
Using the hammer, gently tap the punch, driving the roll pin out. Work slowly and carefully. If the pin doesn’t move easily, check the alignment of the punch. Then, inspect the location of the pins. If the pins are in place, apply some penetrating oil and let it soak. Repeat the process for the remaining pin.
Once the pins are removed, carefully slide the front sight base off the barrel. It might require a little gentle persuasion with your brass hammer or a non-marring mallet. If the sight base seems stuck, reapply penetrating oil, let it sit, and try again. Heat, carefully applied with a heat gun or hair dryer, can sometimes help to expand the metal and loosen the grip.
If the base absolutely refuses to budge, you may need to revisit your tools, apply more penetrating oil, or consult a gunsmith. Always be patient, and avoid forcing anything.
Cleaning and Inspection – The Final Touches
With the front sight removed, now is a good time to clean and inspect the components. Use a cleaning solvent to remove any debris or carbon buildup from the barrel, the sight base, and other related components. After cleaning, apply a light coat of gun oil to protect the metal.
Carefully inspect the pins and sight base for any damage. Check for bent pins, damaged threads, or any signs of wear or tear. If you find any damage, consider replacing the affected part.
Conclusion – The Journey’s End
You’ve successfully removed the A2 front sight! By following these steps, you’ve transformed a potentially daunting task into a manageable one. Remember the critical points: safety above all else, use the correct tools, and take your time.
Now that the A2 front sight is removed, you can proceed with your planned upgrades or customization. You can potentially use the existing front sight for other projects or decide to store it for a later date.
Remember, if you aren’t comfortable with any part of this process, it’s always best to seek help from a qualified gunsmith. If you are working with an AR-15, understanding how to do basic maintenance will not only enhance your skills and enjoyment but also contribute to the longevity of your rifle.
