A2 Front Sight Cut

[LBDamned]

20" PSA Upper intended to have stationary scope... sharing lower with carbine that has BUIS (so the A2 sight gets the chop)...

Initially I just wanted to chop it quickly and install free float rail... with 15" Troy Alpha rail in hand, I went at it...

Everything was done with Dremel, while barrel was mounted... and basic tools that we all use... no bench, no vise - no intent for pretty... this was my first one - and in hind-sight, it wouldn't take much more time or effort to make it look cleaner - but I'm happy with the results...

Step 1) Chop the A2 sight (note to self - cut much lower than you think - saves lots of grinding later):


Step 2) Chop bayonet lug and sling mount (by this time I realized note to self above - but still could have gone lower):


I won't bore you with all the progress - but two full cutting wheels were used (would have been one, considering note to self in step 1 & 2):


After a bit of grinding and profiling - to fit under Troy rail (lower than anticipated):


Cut the Delta Ring and tank the coil:


After a few fit-mounts, and a bit more grinding (clearing interior plate for bipod and sling mount rail)... it's gonna fit - Yay

[LBDamned]

so everything I've read says use BBQ paint (high temp)... previous car mods had a can of SEM "Trim Black" sitting in the closet... here it goes...


Not the prettiest - but I'm satisfied:


Clears the Troy Alpha Rail (which is pretty low profile) - I like the feel of this rail and love the new mount system they use:


Now I go from this:


To this... in seconds:


And for those screaming about featureless and flash hinder... it has the same Spies Dynacomp... actually, this is just an obligatory pic of the stealthiness


I realize it's not the first... but it's only a few hours and minimal tools... and if you pay attention to my "notes to self", it will save at least an hour... if I can do it, anyone can

*I'll follow-up in a few weeks to see if the Trim Black paint holds up to heat...

[m16]

Looks good.

I used an angle grinder and a 4.5" metal cutting disc on the last few chop jobs, it's much faster than a Dremel and you don't use up all of your cutting wheels.

I still use a Dremel and 80-grit flap wheel to sand it down to the finished shape.

Care to explain the new mounting system of that handguard?

I replaced all of my Troy Alpha rails because I didn't like how they grab the inside of the barrel nut, this became an issue for me when attaching a bipod to a 15" rail.

[LBDamned]

Looks good.

I used an angle grinder and a 4.5" metal cutting disc on the last few chop jobs, it's much faster than a Dremel and you don't use up all of your cutting wheels.

I still use a Dremel and 80-grit flap wheel to sand it down to the finished shape.

Care to explain the new mounting system of that handguard?

I replaced all of my Troy Alpha rails because I didn't like how they grab the inside of the barrel nut, this became an issue for me when attaching a bipod to a 15" rail.

what I meant by "new mounting system" - was, compared to previous Troy TRX Battle Rail (that I have on the carbine in pics)... with the two screws on bottom... it's fine when tightened and aligned properly - but the new (current) VTAC Alpha rail aligns and tightens more securely (for my install)...

I have read that others have had issues with rail pulling away from receiver... that didn't happen with this PSA upper

[m16]

That's exactly what happened to me, I had an Atlas attached to the tip of my Alpha rail and when I preloaded the bipod the handguard would pull down and stay there which is no bueno.

I am now a fan of the Apex Gatorgrip, it's slightly bigger than the Troy and the mounting collar is solid.

[LBDamned]

That's exactly what happened to me, I had an Atlas attached to the tip of my Alpha rail and when I preloaded the bipod the handguard would pull down and stay there which is no bueno.

I am now a fan of the Apex Gatorgrip, it's slightly bigger than the Troy and the mounting collar is solid.

yep, Gator Grip rawcks! I have one on M&P10


As to the Alpha rail - are you sure the tabs at the barrel nut were seated properly?... You need to loosen them a bit, then slide onto the barrel nut teeth (one tooth counter clockwise - when looking from receiver)... once fully seated and brought back clockwise, the tab butts up to receiver, nut/tabs will be in groove inside the rail - tighten and it's solid.

If there is any movement on your install - I suspect the tabs weren't seated properly.

BTW - the best mounting system I have used is Diamondhead VRS-T... very good design!

I used the Troy rail on this one since I have Troy on the carbine that the lower shares.

[m16]

Yep, the Alpha rail was properly installed.

I rotated the rail onto the nut and used a carry handle to bridge the upper and handguard before evenly tightening the screws.

This was the upper it happened on:



No matter what I tried, I couldn't get that handguard to stay put.

I got tired of dicking around with it so replaced it, the 15" Apex does flex a little when you preload the bipod hard, but it springs back so it's no big deal.