AR 15 front sight sling removal

[Glockgunner]

Hi folks,

I need some suggestions on how to go about removing the stock sling mount on a standard A2 front sight. It looks to be riveted on rather than secured with pin of any type. I'm thinking that drilling it out is the only option, but am concerned that there might be a more reasonable way to do it. One slip of the drill and there would be a permanent ugly reminder. No drill press available.

To answer the inevitable question: I want to remove it because I have a sling mount on my quad rail. I don't like the stock sling mount swinging around, and want to have the space to mount an accessory below the barrel without interference.

I'd appreciate any suggestions anybody might have.

Thanks Calgunners!

[DougJ]

Centerpunch and drill the pin, then drive the pin out with a punch. The head of the pin is generally round, but the tail may be flat or even concave as mine was, this made it very easy. If you're careful you'll be fine.

[kendog4570]

Pre-drill it from the deformed side with a 1/8" drill bit. You dont have to go all the way through the flange, just cut it a little and the rest will break away when you drive it.

Grab the barrel in a padded vise near the FSB and punch the rivet out from the deformed or mushroomed side, with a punch that fits in the hollow left by forming the rivet.
You want to use a punch that is smaller than the major diameter of the rivet. I believe 3/16 should work. If you dont have, or cant do it, I am just up the road from you in Aptos. I'll give you a hand if you bring it over.

[Glockgunner]

Successful removal!

Thanks for all the advice. It was much easier than I thought. All I did was to take the rifle and lay it on its side, stabilizing it on the quad rail. With a 1/8" drill bit from the mushroomed side, I started drilling. Within about a second, the pin came out and my sling mount was off. Unbelievably easy. Thanks for the advice, and for the offer of helping me to do it.