Removing standard front/gas block sights from an Stag Arms AR15

[LowFlyer]

S.O.B., trying to remove the front sight from a Stag Arms AR15 (replacing the handguard). Which way do the pins that hold the sight get pushed out? I removed the gastube pin by pushing it from left to right (as in aiming), but the sight pins don't seem to want to move even after applying heat driving them the same direction as the gastube pin? This is the way all the "internet videos show" (Brownells' and others).

Help?

[Xringshooter]

You need to look at (or measure) both sides of the pins. One should be smaller (not by much) because they should be taper pins. Drive from the smaller side to push them out.

[Bang]

Drive out left to right. First, are they round head or flat head pins? You might want to consider a Starrett taper pin starter punch.
A primer:
https://www.ammoland.com/2016/11/rem...%20and%20tools

[ar15jules]

I assume you are replacing with a low profile gas block? Do yourself a favor and get busy with a dremel and cutoff wheel. If you round off the pins, they aren't coming out. You will ruin more punches in the process.

[Gunplummer]

Removed a lot of front sight assemblies in the military. Don't start with a punch the size of the pin unless the pin(On the left side) is already even with the sight base. If it is, take an old punch and grind it down until it is only about 1/8 inch long and about the diameter of the pin. I have used center punches with a small flat ground on them. Now hit it with a serious hammer and like you were pissed off at it. You are only trying to break it loose so you can then use the correct size punch.

[LowFlyer]

Thank you people. The front sight pins were tapered and came out right to left (left-handed Stag, I live in a backward world). Thanks to all those that chimed in. The article from ammoland.com was very informative (along with all your comments). I finally changed out my carbine "standard" handguard w/a more "mean and angry" looking handguard. Can't wait to see the 'horror' look of my neighbor's sister! (Very anti-firearm/Second Amendment. Her brother won't even tell her they have protection in the house and EVERYBODY knows how to use them/it.)

Huh, can't seem to post picture....I'll figure it out later....

[Bang]

Glad it worked out for you. I'm concerned that a reliable source gave instructions opposite what was required (pin driving direction). It should be modified to ascertain pin diameters at each end. I assume that is what you did. Smart. Gotta laugh at the extent to which you go to accomplish a (secondary?) goal. LMAO.

[Emptymag]

I would have just bought another rifle.

[DucatiRon]

I would have just bought another rifle.

Lies, lies, lies.





You would have BUILT one out of a box of parts you had laying around.

[Emptymag]

Lies, lies, lies.





You would have BUILT one out of a box of parts you had laying around.

Yes. You got me.

I once had a box of parts and wanted to use a nice handguard on a build, but the upper already had an A2 front sight and the handguard wouldn't work.
Unlike the OP, I decided to sell the handguard and leave the A2 sight on it.
I applaud him for taking on the challenge - I just found it easier to make that A2 sighted carbine my "bare bones" gun, leaving it the way it was, and building another gun the way I wanted it from scratch.