Pinned Gas Block

[Masked]

So I purchased a used upper from a local...

Ordered a new rail and low and behold, the gas block is pinned!!!

So, the question is -- Is it worth ordering a new barrel or having my gunsmith take off the gas block?

New barrel will run me @ $300. From what I can tell, taking off the block will be @ $100.

Any opinions?

 

[lennyo3034]

A pinned gas block is a good thing, less likely to come loose than a set screw one. Are you not able to hammer the pins out?

 

[LRRPF52]

Pinned gas blocks come off easily. Secure the block in a Brownell's FSB tool, and knock the pin out with a punch and small hammer.

If someone is charging $100 for that, they are bending you over royally.

 

[Masked]

A pinned gas block is a good thing, less likely to come loose than a set screw one. Are you not able to hammer the pins out?

Negative...I'll give it another shot, tonight though.

Unfortunately, it's a Stag front sight that was milled down to a low-pro...I have a Noveske adjustable I want to throw on.

Pinned gas blocks come off easily. Secure the block in a Brownell's FSB tool, and knock the pin out with a punch and small hammer.

If someone is charging $100 for that, they are bending you over royally.

Guess I'll be finding a new gunsmith then!

That being said, hammer + punch is it?

 

[lennyo3034]

Ok, I didn't know you were going with a different block. Yes, to removed a pinned block, it oftentimes requires a bigger hammer. Some way to hold the block solidly is also required.

What barrel is it?

The reason I ask, is now that we know you plan on putting a Noveske block on it (switchblock?), it might not work too well since the barrel has already been drilled for pins. There were now be slots in the barrel from the pins, and it may be difficult to use a set screw block on that barrel.

You may be better off selling the barrel and getting a new one. Some people actually prefer to buy a barrel with a pinned gas block like yours.

 

[LRRPF52]

If it was Red loc-tited, you will need to heat it up as well with mild heat, not open flame from a torch.

A hair dryer or heat gun will suffice, or simply place it in the oven at 480 F.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/tds/T_LKR_RED_tds.pdf

 

[Masked]

Ok, I didn't know you were going with a different block. Yes, to removed a pinned block, it oftentimes requires a bigger hammer. Some way to hold the block solidly is also required.

What barrel is it?

The reason I ask, is now that we know you plan on putting a Noveske block on it (switchblock?), it might not work too well since the barrel has already been drilled for pins. There were now be slots in the barrel from the pins, and it may be difficult to use a set screw block on that barrel.

You may be better off selling the barrel and getting a new one. Some people actually prefer to buy a barrel with a pinned gas block like yours.

Hrm.

It's a Stag.

Only has a few hundred rounds through it.

Was originally going to buy a new barrel anyway but, pumped the breaks because I thought I could just re-use it...

Will think on it some more -- Ty!

 

[lennyo3034]

If it were me...I would try to remove the block myself, not doing anything crazy in the process that could damage anything. If successful, mount it on the rifle as is with the pinned block and shoot it to see how I like it. Then make the decision from there.