M&P15 Front A2 Sight Removal

MikeSpartan · Feb 4, 2021

New here to the forum (cheers)...I’m currently trying to convert my MP15 Sport II delta ring setup to free float hand guard and the two pins holding the A2 Front Sight post to the barrel will not budge (and yes, I am trying to punch out from the narrow side of the pins)...anyone ever use a penetrating lubricant like PD Blaster etc to let soak to get these pins out? Just frustrated bc this would be such an easy project if not for these darn sight post pins...

Open to any suggestions / experience you all might have (up to and including shouting motivational slogans at my gun in an Arnold accent)

Thanks

Eric300 · Feb 4, 2021

Some are tougher to get out than others, but, they will eventually come out as long as you're driving them out in the correct direction, using the proper size punch, and solidly securing the barrel/sight. I've had a few tough ones in the past, but never had to use any type of penetration oil, heat, etc. I did opt for a bigger hammer, though.

Just remove the hand guards and gas tube and get after it!

Oracle · Feb 4, 2021

Only one of my AR's came with an A2 but haven't had any need to remove it. How about trying some Kroil?

mckenney99 · Feb 4, 2021

I've removed dozens of A2 sight posts from AR's and soaking the retaining pins in a good penetrating oil (Kroil is my preferred choice) is always my first step. If possible, let the pins sit overnight with a good soaking of the penetrating oil.

It helps tremendously if you have the barrel/sight block supported on a solid bench block. Make sure you are using the proper sized "starter punch" A regular straight punch will usually bend before you can get enough force directed in the right direction.

Sometimes they pop loose with one or two good strikes to the punch other times even doing everything correctly, sometimes they are extremely tough and a bigger hammer has to be brought out. Access to a hydraulic press would be ideal, I just could never justify the expense to buy one to have on hand. Not all retaining pins are tapered.

Another trick that sometimes worked is kind of counter intuitive, try driving the pins IN a couple strokes then reverse the barrel/sight block on your bench block and try driving the pins out the correct way.

MikeSpartan · Feb 4, 2021

Thanks gents...bought a nail punch set too since those are cupped at the end and may be better than my flat punches...I’ll report back if they work (along w the lubricant)

sgtsandman · Feb 5, 2021

I believe the pin removal direction is let to right. Look at the pins, one side is going to be more narrow than the other. Knock them out skinny end towards fat end.

BSA1 · Feb 5, 2021

I removed the fbs on one barrel that I wanted to use with a free float handguard. Those pins were really hard to remove

This time I wimped out on a current project that requires removing the sight by taking it to a local gunsmith and had him remove it as I am going to put it back on.

I need buy some cup tipped nail punches but the local big box lumber stores don’t stock them.

MikeSpartan · Feb 21, 2021

Update: Of all the gun tools I own, it was my wife’s hairdryer that got the job done...heated up the pins on the A2 sight post and eventually knocked the pins out w a cupped nail punch from Home Depot. So when in doubt, grab a hair dryer lol

M&P15 Front A2 Sight Removal

MikeSpartan

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Eric300

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Oracle

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mckenney99

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MikeSpartan

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sgtsandman

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BSA1

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MikeSpartan

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