drilling/installing an A2 front sight base

jpsshack · November 13, 2013, 05:48 PM

Can this be done with a drill press at home, or is it a machine shop job?

On my current rifle (w/ A2 sights), I notice that the taper pins appear to pass through the bottom of the barrel. Taking material off a barrel is definitely above my pay grade, whether it's the side or the bottom. I was also told that drilling and tapping for 4 set-screws is a good way to go.

I would like to try this on my future build, a 300 AAC w/ a Wilson SS barrel (or possibly a Brownells). I'm trying to decide whether it's sensible, or whether I need to just get a picatinny gas block and call it good. I very much welcome anyone's experience with this, as well as the benefits vs. the effort involved.

Scorch · November 14, 2013, 01:14 AM

No, please, no. Don't try it with a drill press. Please.

Buy a gas block that either clamps to the barrel or secures via set screws.

No need to drill the barrel for set screws, they will lock against the underside of the barrel very securely without it.

jpsshack · November 14, 2013, 05:48 AM

Yeah, I'm definitely getting the picture. I can just imagine the bit coming out the other side 1/4" off or worse! A tragic scenario, to be sure.

November 13, 2013, 05:48 PM	#1
jpsshack Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Northern New England Posts: 169	drilling/installing an A2 front sight base Can this be done with a drill press at home, or is it a machine shop job? On my current rifle (w/ A2 sights), I notice that the taper pins appear to pass through the bottom of the barrel. Taking material off a barrel is definitely above my pay grade, whether it's the side or the bottom. I was also told that drilling and tapping for 4 set-screws is a good way to go. I would like to try this on my future build, a 300 AAC w/ a Wilson SS barrel (or possibly a Brownells). I'm trying to decide whether it's sensible, or whether I need to just get a picatinny gas block and call it good. I very much welcome anyone's experience with this, as well as the benefits vs. the effort involved.

November 14, 2013, 01:14 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	No, please, no. Don't try it with a drill press. Please. Buy a gas block that either clamps to the barrel or secures via set screws. No need to drill the barrel for set screws, they will lock against the underside of the barrel very securely without it. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 14, 2013, 05:48 AM	#3
jpsshack Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Northern New England Posts: 169	Yeah, I'm definitely getting the picture. I can just imagine the bit coming out the other side 1/4" off or worse! A tragic scenario, to be sure.