I am screwing around with a Saida AK-47 clone.  I need someone to press off the front sight post.  I would like to wait for it as not to make a second trip.  My normal gunsmith is not local, and quite frankly his work has slipped.  I don't know if it is age or what.  I was thinking of possibly Maxon's in Des Plaines.  I really don't want to hear "well our minimum shop rate is $125" for a three minute job.

I have use "The Gun Doctor" in Roselle.  Here is the website: www.gundr.com/ to contact them.

I also have used the smith in Gander Mountain(Joliet) for a scope mount, they might be quicker.

If you don't intend to reuse the front sight post you could dremel it off.  Second way is to remove pins and hammer it out, I did it this way.  Those Europeans make a tight fit on the front sight post as well as the gas blocks.

I didn't feel like paying big bucks so I did it myself.  All you need is a starter punch, other punches to finish pushing the pins out, block of wood, wood screws and a BFH.  Making sure the barrel is secure and will not move.  This is very important in getting those pins to move.  I think hammering the gas block out was the hardest part of the job.  AK's are a pain in the ass compared to the most awesome AR15.