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Posted: 3/5/2012 1:26:12 PM EDT
| Although I am not new to AR15s there is alot I do not know. The question I have now is: How do I convert my AR to a flat top to mount a scope? I like the SS fluted barrel i have on it now so I would like to keep that. Also, I'd like to keep as many parts i have on it now as i can. Is there a kit I can buy to change the whole "casei" of the upper reciever that is a railed flat top or do I have to buy the whole upper reciever? Thanks |
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Brownell's How To Build An AR-15
Once you've watched these videos you'll feel confident about doing most parts swaps. |
| You will need a punch to remove the Front Sight Base. The pins are normally tapered, and will only drive out from one direction, and install from the opposite side. You will also need an armorers wrench to remove the flash hider (if equipped), and barrel nut. You will also want barrel blocks to secure the barrel while removing the Flash hider. Also get a receiver block to hold the receiver in a vise while you remove and install the barrel nut. If you get a stripped upper, you will also need to reuse the ejection port cover and forward assist. You will need to have a roll pin punch to remove and reinstall the forward assist. You might be able to get away without some of these tools, but they are the proper tools for the job, and may save you money in the long run. |
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The front sight base can be installed two ways. One uses setscrews and the other uses taper pins. Pictures and someone can confirm what you need.
The gas tube needs to come off to remove the barrel nut. Sometimes you can remove the gas tube from the front sight without moving any flash hider or front sight. The rest of the assembly is fairly straightforward. You will need a barrel wrench to remove the barrel nut. |
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1. Watch the relevant Brownell's videos and note which tools you will need.
2, Acquire the correct flat top receiver. It will either have M4 cuts or it will not....depends on your barrel extension. 3. Leave the gas block (FSB) on. Even if it's FSB it will disappear as you approach 3x power with your scope. 4. To save a little work you can get a flat top with forward assist and dust door pre-installed for about $89 +ship. Good luck with the swap. |
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I will definately watch the videos whether i do the work myself. I do have a quiet and well-lit shop with tools to do the job with but i dont have that special wrench to remove the barrel.
Also, wouldn't i want to replace the front sight with gas block? I am planning on installing a scope for varmit shooting. 200+ yards. I very good gunsmith in my area quoted me $340 for the job and parts including adding the gas block and couple rails. is that about right? |
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Quoted:
I will definately watch the videos whether i do the work myself. I do have a quiet and well-lit shop with tools to do the job with but i dont have that special wrench to remove the barrel. The genuine USGI barrel nut wrench is available for about $12 - $13 and it works very well. There are several aftermarket types for more money and they're very nice, but the USGI is the least inexpensive barrel nut wrench that works. Also, wouldn't i want to replace the front sight with gas block? I am planning on installing a scope for varmit shooting. 200+ yards.
No. As I stated in my previous post, the FSB goes out of focus and "disappears" as you get to around 3x power. It is a common misconception that the FSB absolutely has to be removed for optics. I very good gunsmith in my area quoted me $340 for the job and parts including adding the gas block and couple rails. is that about right?
Seems high but would need a definitive parts list to judge. Without tipping your hand, if you get my drift...... Ask him what receiver he plans on using and why. Without looking, chances are high that you have "rifle ramps" (on the barrel extension) and will need to find the less available A3 flat top upper receiver that has no M4 cuts. If he doesn't know this, without you telling him, he is not Black Rifle certified. The reason I mention the above is that there are many good, conventional gunsmiths that don't really know Black Rifle. It's a different discipline. It requires a specialized tool set as well. |
| The guy that I want to do the work is Tim at Bill's Custom Autos in Shelby, MS. It's a father-son shop and comes highly recommended. They build alot of custom competition AR and 1911s. They will be using DPMS parts of I decide on getting them to do it. Just a little nervous on doing the work myself but I do want to take the plunge one day. Thanks for your input. Its been very helpful! |
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Quoted:
The guy that I want to do the work is Tim at Bill's Custom Autos in Shelby, MS. It's a father-son shop and comes highly recommended. They build alot of custom competition AR and 1911s. They will be using DPMS parts of I decide on getting them to do it. Just a little nervous on doing the work myself but I do want to take the plunge one day. Thanks for your input. Its been very helpful! If you can follow instruction and your hands work OK you can do it. Put up exactly what you have (pictures) and what you want to convert to. The members here will help you with selecting parts / tools and walk you through the process. The total cost my be similar but you will do the conversion and own some AR tools as a result. |
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