Front Sight Smith

[KaNuckles]

Does anyone know of a gunsmith in, or within reasonable driving distance of, Dickson that can drill and pin a front sight base on an AR? I would like to use a benefactor slash member of this site if possible.

[Guest FIST]

You may be able to get it done at Mid TN Gunsmithing. Gunrunner32 does cerakote there and some AR work.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Just our of curiosity why do you want the front sight pinned? I know that is the most secure way but clamp on types are just as good if you use loctite. I actually prefer clamp on types that way you can center your rear sight then zero the gun with the front sight. Makes for a better looking setup when the rear sight is centered rather than cocked to one side.

I have also drilled and tapped the bottom of a standard front sight and installed setscrews. Once tight they will not move. One hole is already there and all you need to do is drill a hole in the bayonet lug then tap it.

If you do go to a smith to have the front sight pinned make sure they have the jig. It is impossible to square and drill the front sight without it. I have seen a number of barrels ruined by people who tried to do it without the jig.

Dolomite

[Guest FIST]

I have seen a number of barrels ruined by people who tried to do it without the jig.

Dolomite

That's why I haven't attempted that particular procedure , no barrels around to practice with.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I'd rather do it that way, too. Easier to fix if you goof a little, also. FIST, I'll let you borrow one. I'll have to check on the

gas block availability, though.

[Guest kingarmory]

If you do go to a smith to have the front sight pinned make sure they have the jig. It is impossible to square and drill the front sight without it. I have seen a number of barrels ruined by people who tried to do it without the jig.

Dolomite

Make sure they use the correct 2/0 reamer also instead of a drill bit. Seen a lot of shops use a regular bit and pin and the front sight won't hold completely tight

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I just ordered a YHM flip up sight/gas block you can practice on when it gets in if you want.

[KaNuckles]

Thanks to everyone. I feel better. Best not to risk having my barrel ruined. This is why this is the only forum on the internet, no matter the topic, I still subscribe to and participate in.

Dolomite, no reason other than security. I will probably go with a set screw style. I just couldn't get a straight answer (until now) on whether the set screw would hold up. I have been looking at this one.

http://www.cmmginc.c...t_p/55da3b9.htm

Do you think it is necessary to to have those flats cut?

Edited September 28, 2012 by KaNuckles

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Just our of curiosity why do you want the front sight pinned? I know that is the most secure way but clamp on types are just as good if you use loctite. I actually prefer clamp on types that way you can center your rear sight then zero the gun with the front sight. Makes for a better looking setup when the rear sight is centered rather than cocked to one side.

I have also drilled and tapped the bottom of a standard front sight and installed setscrews. Once tight they will not move. One hole is already there and all you need to do is drill a hole in the bayonet lug then tap it.

If you do go to a smith to have the front sight pinned make sure they have the jig. It is impossible to square and drill the front sight without it. I have seen a number of barrels ruined by people who tried to do it without the jig.

Dolomite

And with the clamp-on types you get another chance without screwing anything up. I've been able to

use some of those screwed up barrels by using the clamp-on gas blocks. Got those barrels cheap, also.

Edited September 28, 2012 by 6.8 AR