Suggest full floating rail. Cut down A2 sight.

[AlwaysArmed]

I want to cut down my A2 front sight and reuse it as well as the factory gas tube to install a full floating M-Lok rail. I like the pinned gas block better than the set screw gas block (45 years experience with screw fasteners).
My Colt LE6920-R came with a Centurion Arms ML13OEM M-Lok rail with what looks like a machined down A2 front sight with two tapered pins holding it on.
Anybody done this? Suggestions and recommendations greatly appreciated.
AA

 

[andy52]

For not much money you could just pull the a2 sight and gas tube off and replace it with a low profile block and a new tube. The effort of grinding down the sight seems hardly worth it considering what it cost to replace it.

 

[AlwaysArmed]

For not much money you could just pull the a2 sight and gas tube off and replace it with a low profile block and a new tube. The effort of grinding down the sight seems hardly worth it considering what it cost to replace it.

Now go back up there and read what I wrote. I have the money to buy several new ARs.
AA

 

[80sgyrene]

Yes a grinder and a dremel will get you the most solid low profile gas block. Some cold blue and you are gtg.
I’ve actually done it with it still mounted to barrel.
If you are handy at all OP, it is very easy. Will come out as good as your skill and patience allow.

Have at it.

 

[AlwaysArmed]

Yes a grinder and a dremel will get you the most solid low profile gas block. Some cold blue and you are gtg.
I’ve actually done it with it still mounted to barrel.
If you are handy at all OP, it is very easy. Will come out as good as your skill and patience allow.

Have at it.

Thanks. I'm a machinist. Working the gas block isn't a problem. However, I was also wondering if anyone has actually done this. I've been searching YouTube for examples. I really like the Centurion Arms ML13OEM rail but I'm sure there are others. Thanks for the reply.
AA

 

[Ricrock]

OP, I have done it too with the sight still attached to the barrel. Also I cut off the Handguard Cap, the Delta ring, the weld spring and snapring with a dremel tool.

To answer what I think was your original question, I used a Fortis Rev II 14" rail. It slides on over the cut down sight and attaches to the original barrel nut. No need to disassemble the barrel at all. The actual length of the Rail is 14.8" and works perfectly.

Don't forget to use safety glasses when grinding down and cutting off the parts.

 

[80sgyrene]

NP, if you aren’t set on a rail yet, check out Midwest Industries. I really like there offerings. I have three.

 

[AlwaysArmed]

NP, if you aren’t set on a rail yet, check out Midwest Industries. I really like there offerings. I have three.

Yes, thanks. I have one on an AR pistol kit I got from PSA. Very nice rail.
AA

 

[andy52]

Now go back up there and read what I wrote. I have the money to buy several new ARs.
AA

Yes I read that you prefer pinned gas blocks but there are many ARs out there with set screw and saddle clamp gas blocks that work just fine.

Thanks. I'm a machinist. Working the gas block isn't a problem. However, I was also wondering if anyone has actually done this. I've been searching YouTube for examples. I really like the Centurion Arms ML13OEM rail but I'm sure there are others. Thanks for the reply.
AA

Yes, I have done this before when asked to and in my opinion it isn't worth it. how many ARs do you see out there that don't have A2 sights on them?, Most of them beyond basic truck guns.

 

[AlwaysArmed]

Yes I read that you prefer pinned gas blocks but there are many ARs out there with set screw and saddle clamp gas blocks that work just fine.

Agreed. I have a Lantac on the way. Set screwed low profile gas block. Most often when asked about this issue I get replies like "Those pins are there if using a bayonet or grenade launcher" or "It's pinned so if it's dropped on the A2 sight it doesn't lose center". And I agree.

Yes, I have done this before when asked to and in my opinion it isn't worth it. how many ARs do you see out there that don't have A2 sights on them?, Most of them beyond basic truck guns.

True. This is more of a hobby gun than a serious defense weapon. My third M&P 15 so far. Love 'em. I was in Academy and saw one for $677. I checked PSA and they had them on sale for $511. I said "Gimmeone".
Thanks again, you seem experienced in gun smithing.
AA

 

[andy52]

Agreed. I have a Lantac on the way. Set screwed low profile gas block. Most often when asked about this issue I get replies like "Those pins are there if using a bayonet or grenade launcher" or "It's pinned so if it's dropped on the A2 sight it doesn't lose center". And I agree.



True. This is more of a hobby gun than a serious defense weapon. My third M&P 15 so far. Love 'em. I was in Academy and saw one for $677. I checked PSA and they had them on sale for $511. I said "Gimmeone".
Thanks again, you seem experienced in gun smithing.
AA

I've built a dozens of ARs based on the PSA kits when people are asking for a basic A2 style AR. They're cheap to built will serve the purpose and can be built for 400 bucks.
I've also built dozens of ARs for people that want more and they can range 6 or 7 hundred to thousands depending on the options. My question to them is always this, do you want a AR that you can defend yourself at 50 to a 100 yds or one that will shoot one ragged hole groups at 200 or 300 yards. There's a big difference between the two and I try to get them to be honest with themselves in the choice.