Taper Pins in Front Sight Base won't move.

[louielouie]

I have a PSA upper and decided to change out the gas block as part of a make-over.
I got the flash hider off fairly easily, but then I ran into the 2 taper pins that hold the FSB in place.
I ruined about 4 punches and did not even "phase" the taper pins.
I called to verify that they should come out left to right and I was told that is correct.

I am ready to take it to a gunsmith, but the only gunsmith I know in Southern Indiana is Gary Growe (here in Columbus) and he is always busy.

Can anyone point me to a gunsmith who might do these while I wait.
I don't mind driving up to 50 miles one way, but I have a bad back and any further than that is murder.

Thanks,
louielouie

 

[shooter521]

Have you tried heating the FSB, and/or applying a penetrating oil like Kroil to the pins?

 

[mvician]

Bigger hammer (2 lb.), a good solid punch, and a hard surface to support the FSB.
As shooter521 said, some Kroil should help.

 

[louielouie]

Have you tried heating the FSB, and/or applying a penetrating oil like Kroil to the pins?

I tried Break-Free overnight. I have not tried heat although I could. The problem is I don't know how hard I can hit the pins and not mess up the barrel.

I think I did move the FSB just enough to be canted.

I ordered the "special" Brownells taper pin punch that is supposed to be made just for these pins.

I figure when it comes I will break out my 3 pound hammer and have at it again. If I can't break them loose after a few good whacks, I am going to cut the FSB with a Dremmel until I can peel the FSB off of the barrel.

louielouie

 

[louielouie]

Bigger hammer (2 lb.), a good solid punch, and a hard surface to support the FSB.
As shooter521 said, some Kroil should help.

How hard can I hit the punch without damaging the barrel. I don't care about the FSB I just don't want to screw up the barrel.

louielouie

 

[wilianknow]

You could very careful and drill out the center of the pin. It's not a hard metal to drill. Start with a small #40 bit. Also take a small file flat the top of the pin and use a center punch and the drill it out. Just step it up until you release the pressure. Good luck and take your time.

 

[DarkRose]

Have you got an armorers block to use? The taper pins shouldn't take that much force to move... What are you supporting it with? (the FSB)

 

[louielouie]

Have you got an armorers block to use? The taper pins shouldn't take that much force to move... What are you supporting it with? (the FSB)

I was supporting the FSB with the handle of a hammer (supported the FSB in the middle).

I am getting the special Brownells taper punch in tomorrows mail.

louielouie

p.s. I don't think my hammer was big enough. I only had an 8 oz. brass hammer. I will have a 3 pound hammer next time.

 

[shooter521]

The taper pins shouldn't take that much force to move...

"shouldn't"... but sometimes they do. For example, the FSB pins on S&W rifles are notoriously stubborn, IME.

 

[neeltburn]

My Bushmaster FSP was the same way called Rainier Arms 3 times in the process but did get it off. Put the rifle on a solid surface and and supper the barrel and FSB and work back and forth between the pins and they will break free. at the time I figure I had 5000 rounds through my bushmaster.

 

[ryknoll3]

You need good support for the barrel, ideally a proper armorer's block. Put it on a concrete floor. You need as solid a surface as possible. You need a good solid punch and a heavy hammer. Some of these pins are SUPER hard to get out. I had a BCM barrel that was a bear to get the pins out, and I had the proper tools. If you properly support the barrel/FSB you won't damage the barrel. A hammer handle? Don't know about that.

Heat the FSB as well, and use some Kroil penetrating oil on the pins.

 

[DarkRose]

Mine were a little stubborn but not bad.
I don't have a "proper" FSB Armorer's block, just one of the blue general gunsmithing blocks from Brownells, but it was solid, has holes that I can position under the pin, and a couple solid taps from a 1lb. ball pein hammer, and good to go!
I did use something (I forget what) under the chamber end of the barrel to support and keep it level.

 

[shooter521]

I only had an 8 oz. brass hammer.

 

[mvician]

 

[louielouie]

shooter521,

I put down a steel block that is 2 inches thick and had space for the pins to pass through. I supported the rest of the barrel so everything was level. My work surface was the floor (hardwood floor).

I picked up my 3 pound ball-peen hammer, and the Brownells taper punch (that arrived as I was getting ready to start).

I put the concave shaped tip of the punch on the rear pin. 2 wacks and the pin went flush with the FSB.

I moved to the front pin and 3 wacks later the pin was flush with the FSB.

I changed over to a small punch and the pins came out almost by themselves. I re-moved the FSB from the barrel with an 8 ounce brass hammer.

Thanks to Everyone and to all a good night (day?)

louielouie

 

[mvician]

 

[DarkRose]

they just needed a little persuasion. Glad everything worked out!