I am attempting to remove my front sight base taper pins in order to install a LaRue FF rail I bought on the EE here awhile back. The problem is that despite trying all the recommended tips (taper pin punch, soaking in Kroil oil, having a solid base to work with, etc), the small ends on the pins are starting to mushroom. I even tried using a big brass punch, which did not work.
I feel kind of silly having bought all the tools I would need, only to stop at step 1.
Even though I am not a stranger to working on firearms, I think it is wise to know I have reached my limits as far as this part of the project is concerned.
If there is somebody local to Houston who could remove the pins for me, I would feel comfortable performing the remainder of the FF install myself - I just don’t want to go any further and ruin the taper pins.
I want to keep the original fixed front sight, and am not interested in going to a low pro gas block, etc. It looks like the pins can still be re-used at this point.
If someone could recommend a good vendor or gunsmith to call, I would be very appreciative. I may even see about them installing the FF tube while they are at it.
I had the same problem this weekend, I just ended up using a mini sledge hammer and they finally came out, Have you tried the freezer trick yet, it has been known to help
Yes sir, tried basically every trick, but the pins just won’t budge. If they gotta be drilled out & replaced, so be it - I just want to keep the original sight tower aligned the way it is, and finish the job without marring or scratching anything.
I didnt care about messing up the finish as I took a grinder to it, I was making a lo pro gas block. good luck with it, I know I was sweating mine and I have taken off 20 or 30 FSB’s
Too late by now, but you cannot use brass punches, or really any kind of punch that can bend. The surface cannot have any give either. And you must hit much harder than you think- you can’t just “beat on it for awhile,” and then “try again.”
