[huntinfirefighter]

looking into getting a new gas block to replace the front sight tower. whats a good low profile or similiar. also wanting to put a free float tube on it. the gun just has standard handguards and a standard 16 inch barrel. the free float tube just needs to be smooth i dont need any rails or nothing like that. thanks

 

[zoomie]

I've got a PRI low profile gas block and JP/VTAC rifle length handguard on my .223. My 6.8 wears a YHM low profile gas block and YHM customizable mid-length handguard. The YHM handguard works just fine, but I prefer the VTAC and a rifle-length handguard to cover the gas block.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=49044/sku/Rifle_Length_Modular_Handguard
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=48460/sku/Specter_Customizable_Tube

 

[ArtFWTx]

The Yankee Hill customizable forend is popular. I know you aren't looking for rails now, but if you ever changed your mind and wanted to add a rail for a light, or bipod you can just bolt one on the YHM customizable. JP/VTAC forends are nice also.

If you want simple free float, then the Hogue Grips forend tube is simple and functional.

The gas block depends on what you're looking for. Yankee Hill, Midwest Industries, Troy, LaRue, PRI and others make gas blocks of all shapes and sizes. Remember if you take the sight tower off, some low profile gas blocks may not cover the slots on the bottom of the barrel that were drilled for the sight's pins. That may or may not matter to you.

 

[Bushman_269]

The Larue gas block is long enough to cover the space on the barrel where the front sight tower was located most of the other low profile gas blocks (Vltor, Troy) are shorter. This could be an issue if your barrel is not parkerized under the gas block/tower. Hogue makes a smooth tube style handguard but installation does require removal of the delta ring, barrel nut and front sight tower.

 

[reverendbiker]

Here's another vote for the YHM customizable. I use it and a low-profile block. Lightweight, easy on the hands.

 

[huntinfirefighter]

ok wheres a good place to buy the yhm hand guard. looked at them and who knows i might want to add something one day like art said. as far as the gas block goes , i just wanted to get rid of the front sight tower. i would like to cover up the marks if possible, so what will do that. one last thing, what all parts do i need to put on the yhm and the gas block thanks for all the info

 

[ArtFWTx]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

Here's a catch all assemble it yourself thread from AR15.com. Some of the posts are instructions about installing YHM forends, and there is a post about shaving the front sight post if you decided to try that in lieu of a new gasblock.

Bushman_269 makes a good point. Some barrels are parkerized after the sight tower is installed so you would end up with two rings of bare metal once you take the sight tower off and the low profile gas blocks may not cover this completely, plus the cuts in the barrel for the sight tower pins that I mentioned earlier. LaRue makes a gas block that's low profile and covers the pin areas but it's a little pricey. That may or may not be a factor for you.

If you didn't want to buy the receiver block and other tools to disassemble your upper to install the new tube and gas block, you can get in contact with ADCO about them doing it for you. Their rates are fair. You probably have a local gunsmith too.

Brightflashlights a vendor on ARFCOM and a visiting member here sells YHM and discounts them.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=142&t=142581

 

[-k-]

You can just shave the FSB. Cheaper and better as it stays pinned to the barrel.

 

[huntinfirefighter]

ok thanks to all for the help. i think will try shaving the gas block and get the yhm handguard. thanks to all huntinfirefighter

 

[Lastrites]

You can just shave the FSB. Cheaper and better as it stays pinned to the barrel.

Likely one of the best options as it has already been mated to your barrel and can easily be covered by the handguard.

 

[huntinfirefighter]

thanks for all the help one last question, what is a good upper reciever action block ,i think thats what they are called , the tool needed to hold the reciever to take the barrel off and put it back on.

 

[apexcncshop]

Brownells sells a nice upper receiver action block, its plastic and includes a no crush insert. Another option to removing the barrel is installing one of our free float tubes, it clamps to the factory barrel nut, is available in a variety of gripping surfaces, and leaves the option of mounting rails if ever needed. www.apexcncmachine.com As far as the gas block goes, even though we supply many of the low pro units to the industry, you really do have a great one hiding under that sight post.