Removing Mini-14 front sight

[Dave Markowitz]

I just got a replacement front sight for my Mini-14 from Brownell's. It's the Eagle HK-style sight with flash suppressor.

However, I can't get the factory front sight off. I removed the roll pin but the sight is really on there! I tried heating the sight with a propane torch, but I'm worried about screwing up the temper on the barrel. I did get it hot enough so that the barrel burned the piece of wood I propped it against when I tried to drive it off.

Any suggestions?

 

[KFD147]

I had to do the same thing. I recomend you use WD-40. Cont. to spray it between the sight and the barrel. Take a pair of channel locks, place a cloth over the sight and move it from side to side firmly until it losens enough and comes off. Please don't use a propane torch. Bad juju!


Thanks
Jason

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Thanks, Jason.

I tried the Chanellocks but that didn't work for me. I wound up cutting a couple longitudinal grooves in the barrel band part of the sight to reduce tension, then a right-angle cut out on the blade itself. In combination with more Liquid Wrench and pounding the snot out of it, the sight came off.

The new front sight looks to be a MAJOR improvement.

 

[KFD147]

Glad it worked out for you. I hope the barrel looks better than mine. I have a few dings in the barrel. But, you are right. The new sight is a great improvement over the original.


Thanks
Jason