If you hate your high profile M&P Optics Ready gas block.....

[carryon]

Then you may want to check out this thread from AR15.com. The very last post I made details how I easily removed it and what I plan to replace it with. I've just noticed a bunch of people asking various questions regarding the factory gas block. I finally decided to just do away with it and will be putting a FF barrel over the thing and will probably go with Magpul flip-up sights to put on my new YHM Specter Length FF rail. We'll see....

Can I remove this gas block?? (PICS included) - AR15.COM

 

[CBR240]

I switched out the gas block on my S&W M&P 15 OR last weekend. I switched to the Yankee Hill Hooded flipup front sight gas block with rail (YHM-9835-H) and am very happy with it.

Front Flip Sight Tower w/ Bottom Rail, Hooded [YHM-9835-H] - $125.00 : YHM, Yankee Hill Machine Co., Inc. | Makers of High Quality Firearms, Accessories & Sound Suppressors, Makers of High Quality Firearms, Accessories & Sound Suppressors

There are two key things to removing the 15OR gas block (both mentioned in the thread you linked):
1) the gas block pin is driven out from the right (extractor side) to the left. I hear this is abnormal. With a hardened nail punch, and a good size mallet, the first hit knocked it right out of there (guess it helps when you drive it in the correct direction ).
2) Way down in the smaller hole in the bottom (the one a normal sling mount goes in), there is a set screw. I think many don't noticed that. Lossen the set screw, oil the barrel, heat the old block; and it slides off without much push.

The hardest part for me was getting the gas tube roll pin out (and that should be easy, btw - might be good to have spare gas tube on hand, I did). Good new is the barrel was finished under the gas block, and everything lined up perfect and looks great! Got to put 200 rounds through it on Sunday, and have to say I am very happy.

It really wasn't hard. I stressed more getting ready to do it, than actually doing it.

 

[yellowzr2]

Pics or it didn't happen

 

[CBR240]

1st attempt at pics

"Pics or it didn't happen "

OK, , Here's my first attempt to post pics. Hopefully will be:

1) My M&P15OR as I got it:
IMG_0473 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

2) I kind of like this setup, but Poly sights on a hot metal gas block didn't seem like a long term solution (and Magpul recomends not). Anyways, after Magpul:

IMG_0502 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I hacked together a lower rail for it, but was never happy with that:
IMG_0517 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

3) Eotech and YHM Hooded Folding Front Sight with Rail:
IMG_0541 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

IMG_0548 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

IMG_0549 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

IMG_0554 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

IMG_0563 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I really like the front sight picture. And it totaly disappears from view thru the EOTech when folded down (I'll try to get a visable picture of this, but as you can see I'm not a photo expert). The one rail is all I need to attch BiPod, or once in a while a laser/light for snap cap practice.

Posting these pictures on Flikr is not working as I hoped. Dosn't look like flckr is the way to post pictures here
I'll read how to do better; but you can't say I didn't try.

 

[yellowzr2]

so i guess the magpul and the yhm folder work at the same height?

 

[CBR240]

so i guess the magpul and the yhm folder work at the same height?

Yes, I hardly had to touch the yhm front sight adjustment after installing it. It alligned perfect with the rear Magpul MBUS to co-witness (correct term?) with the EOTech. I set it up by checking sights against the EOTech, barely turned the front sight up 1/4 turn, took it to the range and it was more accurate than me. I like the YHM hooded site as it block less of the front view (not that that was an issue with the Magpul front or anything).

It's a "little different" setup than most (some might say wierd); but I like it, and it fits my needs well.

 

[Gunfighter9]

I have the M&P 15X version. Anyone have a link to a tutorial on how to remove the front sight/gas block? I have a YHM folding front sight/block I want to install. I guess specifically I need info on which direction the pins come out. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[CBR240]

Gunfighter9 - I don't know about the 15X gas block, but I bet if you call S&W they will let you know which way the pins go, and any other specifics you might need to know. I've always had great support (luck?) when I've called them, even for info such as this.

 

[Gunfighter9]

Good idea CBR240. I'll give them a call in the morning. Thanks.