Noveske gas block pin install / removal?

[coloradokevin]

Have any of you ever successfully installed or removed the straight pin that holds a Noveske gas block to a Noveske barrel?

This is the last significant step of my AR-15 build, and I had heard horror stories about their tight gas block pins in the past.

Like other pinned AR-15 barrels, this barrel has a slot cut crosswise in the barrel to accommodate the pin, but the pin is a straight pin in this instance. I started installing the pin, and was not able to get it more than halfway in. I also can't seem to get it out.

I've now bent a punch on the pin, and hammered on it for quite some time, but it really isn't moving in either direction.

Ideas?

 

[coloradokevin]

Well, frustration gave way to an approach that involved a BFH (big… freaking hammer). A framing hammer and large punch (along with a liberal application of oil) finally allowed me to drive that darn pin through the block.

I'll tell you what, that darn thing isn't ever going anywhere! I hope I never need to remove this barrel.

 

[rcmodel]

Bigger hammers always win!!

But the oil or anti-seize grease first would have necessated a smaller hammer and less bent punches in the first place.

rc

 

[coloradokevin]

Bigger hammers always win!!

But the oil or anti-seize grease first would have necessated a smaller hammer and less bent punches in the first place.

rc

No doubt. In fact, I had every intention (originally) of freezing and lubing that pin before trying to hammer it in, as I had heard numerous online horror stories about how difficult it was to fit.

But, in my excitement and haste to finish my build I neglected those two important steps. By the time I thought of them, the pin was already halfway into the block, and didn't want to move either way.

Live and learn, I suppose. At least that block shouldn't ever move for any reason whatsoever