Can't remove M&P 15 front sight
I purchaed an M&P 15 carbine recently. It came with a standard front sight and handguard. I just purchased a free float tube and was going to install it when i was unable to remove the standard front sight. I read the instruction and watched the brownells training video but I think my pins have been riveted. I ground down the head of the front pin from the left side and tried punching the pin out with no success.
I'd like to complete this procedure myself but feel frustrated at this point.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10347/learn/Changing_A_Gas_Block?source=CJ
Links to full size pictures:
http://www.franweb.com/myimages/Front_Sight_Left.jpg
http://www.franweb.com/myimages/Front_Sight_Right.jpg
I'd like to complete this procedure myself but feel frustrated at this point.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10347/learn/Changing_A_Gas_Block?source=CJ
Links to full size pictures:
http://www.franweb.com/myimages/Front_Sight_Left.jpg
http://www.franweb.com/myimages/Front_Sight_Right.jpg
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Although it's looks like a AR 15 it's actually a .22 clone made in Germany of mostly potmetal, (zinc diecast parts). Although I never worked on one, I have worked on other of the German potmetal guns. It looks like a AR cosmetically but it was never designed or made to actually be striped down like a AR. My WAG is that you would actually have to very carefully cut off the existing front sight assembly. I wouldn't be doing this though unless your absolutely sure that a original AR front sight assembly will fit correctly and will be able to be secured properly on the barrel. 0 -
My gun is a real AR-15 with a 5.56 mm NATO barrel. 0 -
Can someone please provide a tip on how to upload pictures? 0 -
look at the top post on this forum . SEE the ones marked STICKY [?] now read and heed the one HOW TO POST PICTURES 0 -
The pins are tapered make sure you are using a punch of slightly smaller diameter than the pin and are striking on the small end of the pin. It helps if you apply some Kroil.
Try using a wooden block under the top of the sight to eliminate as much movement as possible so all energy is put to the pin.
I have encountered some really tight ones you just have to keep pounding until they loosen up.0 -
Got it.. thanks... 0 -
I just uploaded the pictures you can now clearly see the pin I ground down and the other pin with the head. 0 -
Rufe, I'm not sure what you are talking about. The pins are tapered and only come out one way (I don't recall which). If you were beating on them in the wrong direction you could have just made them tighter. Measure the heads with one of those C-clamps with a clock on it (Dial calibers). That will tell you which way to pound the pin. Good luck 0 -
Use a BIGGER HAMMER [;)] I've had to use about a 2LB. hammer and a good steel punch on some pins that are very tight. 0 -
To be clear the Smith MP15 fires the .223/5.56x45 round. The Smith .22lr gun is called the MP22.
By the images, this sure looks like a real-deal all steel gun to me!
Answer, I think is that these retaining pins are originally pressed into place with a hydraulic press, and then (in this case) peened/riveted into place.
So they are going to be EXTREMELY tight! Applying kroil/penetrating oil and allowing to soak in for a few days here can't hurt.
They're also tapered, so they can only be pushed out in one direction.
This image should help. This is the Brownell's sight bench block. Very useful thing to have for mounting/dismounting the pins on these front sights.
Note that in the standard mount (which Smith probably uses), looking down the barrel, the pins go *IN* from the right. They punch *OUT* from the right:
So if you have been pushing on the base of the pin where you ground off the rivet head, you should be OK, I think.
Block costs $40, in case you want to buy one.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=20727/Product/AR_15_FRONT_SIGHT_BENCH_BLOCK0
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