Trouble removing gas block rail on my M&P 15

[NuclearPenguin]

Hello All,

I have a m&p 15 with the flat topped gas block and the standard handguard. This is the model that I have.

I bought a free float rail to replace the original handguard and a low profile gas block to fit underneath it. The problem that I have run into is that I cant get the taper pin out. I have pounded on it with a punch and I cant even get it to budge. I even called S&W to make sure that I was pushing from the correct side. I would like to know if any one has any ideas on what I can do to get the thing out. I am confident that I can finish putting the new handguard on, but I am not real comfortable beating the hell out of my rifle.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Gazz]

Get some heavy moulding leather or use some hardwood scraps to protect the barrel while you clamp it in the biggest vise you have. Clamp it so that you will be driving the pins towards the fixed jaw of the vise. Hopefully your vise is mounted to a good heavy bench. Now try with your pin punches. If it still will not go, try a little bit of heat. I think the S&W gas block is aluminum and it will heat up quickly (also melt quickly if your not careful) and wil expand from the heat quicker than the pins or barrel. A little bit of Kroil can't hurt either.

 

[RychenCop]

Get some heavy moulding leather or use some hardwood scraps to protect the barrel while you clamp it in the biggest vise you have. Clamp it so that you will be driving the pins towards the fixed jaw of the vise. Hopefully your vise is mounted to a good heavy bench. Now try with your pin punches. If it still will not go, try a little bit of heat. I think the S&W gas block is aluminum and it will heat up quickly (also melt quickly if your not careful) and wil expand from the heat quicker than the pins or barrel. A little bit of Kroil can't hurt either.

this...and i would consider replacing that block with a low profile one. if that is an option then you could always drill the pin out.