Low Profile Gas Block Necessary?

[Superman]

So I have no experience with this so I'm wondering if it's better to swap out a front site on my AR with a low profile gas block, or just chop off the top of the site to make it "low profile"? I ask because I saw someone just chop theirs off and was wondering if that was wise or not. I want to get rid of my front sight post and put on a longer handguard, so just chopping off the front post is definitely the cheaper option...what are your thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks!!

[hawk44]

imo, I would spend more time cutting it down and finishing it again than changing it out. You can pick up a low profile for $20-$30, you'll spend more then that on the new rail.

[Big Bronze Rim]

I've seen too many ARs go down in classes due to set screw only gas blocks to ever want one that wasn't pinned. The easiest option is to mod your front sight post and now you have a nice taper pinned low pro GB. The next best thing is the micro pin GB from Black River Tactical. The Vltor gas block is nice as well and can be pinned.

http://www.blackrivertactical.com/concr ... gas-block/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[gigag04]

Cutting it down gets that oroginal, locked down, mated feel and is preferred among those with working guns.

That said, I haven't had issues with aftermarket ones that were properly installed.

[Superman]

So I'm getting the consensus is to just cut it down...but I'm not supposed to take it off the barrel? Both videos show it taken off the barrel. I was looking at just getting a Troy or Daniel Defense low profile gas block, but I'm good with chopping too. Once I chop, I have to blue it too, correct (like in the second video)?

[Big Bronze Rim]

I suppose you don't have to take it off, but it sure will make it easier. If you want a pinned block but don't want to hack yours, use the one I posted the link for above. It even comes with the drill bit and pins. Then if you ever want to go back to an A2 front sight, you can just reinstall your FSP and keep the original taper pins.

[TheDude]

Once I chop, I have to blue it too, correct (like in the second video)?

I used High Temp Manifold paint from Autozone. Its good up to like 1500 F.

[jiannichan]

Once I chop, I have to blue it too, correct (like in the second video)?

If you want it to look nice and like nothing as ever done. I used this thing called Magic Black that gave it that original black finish. I used it on mine but then I had to shave it a little bit more and didn't bother reapplying it and left the metal finish there. If I decide to ever sell it, I will refinish it again but not planning on getting rid of it any time soon.