Hello Members,

As the title states I have a new, unfired Daniel Defense, V3, manufactured around 2013. I am considering removing the front A2 Sight, and installing a low-power 1-4x scope. I don't want to see the top of the A2 Sight through the scope. In the event I need an iron sight, I could use offset sights.

Is removing the fixed/pinned sight a good idea from a Daniel Defense, even one from 2013? It's just a couple of taps on the pins, to remove them and then the sight, but will this "ruin" or otherwise negatively affect the rifle as a modification?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and Happy Holidays!

quote:

Originally posted by astraightshooter:
Is removing the fixed/pinned sight a good idea from a Daniel Defense, even one from 2013? It's just a couple of taps on the pins, to remove them and then the sight, but will this "ruin" or otherwise negatively affect the rifle as a modification?

It's not a good idea.

Just buy a new bbl that has not been A2'd.

If the bbl has never been shot, DD bbls are CHF, & chrome-lined can be worth quite a bit, at least enough to trade for a decent replacement bbl.

Those two little taper pins can either come out really easy or be a huge pain to remove (some have to be drilled out). Can't know until you try.

Also, you will need a long gas block to cover the unfinished portions of your bbl.

These days, you're better off getting a new bbl and gas block.

I'd probably do what LLD recommends. Part it out and grab a Faxon or other quality barrel.

An alternative, you might try mounting up the scope and seeing how it looks with the A2 sight in place. I know you said you don't want to see it, but I'd bet at 3-4x you won't, 1-2x would be noticeable, but not so much that you couldn't live with it. The added benefit is it costs you nothing to try and you can always go through with the barrel replacement if you're not happy with the results.

What SigM4 suggested...or...

Just add your choice of gas block...

https://www.joeboboutfitters.c.../fax-15a58m16nsq.htm

I like to modify the A2 sight into a low profile gas block (remove, cut, contour, blue and reinstall); makes for a very solid mount.

When looking through a 4X ACOG you never notice the front sight. Not sure about lower powers.

Best bet as mentioned would be to sell the barrel and buy another or send it to ADCO or somewhere and have it chopped. I personally prefer chopped also as they are super solid.

A properly cut down FSB can look pretty good:

(not my photo)

I've removed one front sight off an AR barrel. It was a PSA 6.8. I wanted a free float barrel to increase the accuracy. Not easy unless you have a bench block. The bench block holds the barrel in place while you drive out the pins. It's also labeled so you know which side to drive out the pins. The size on my groups on that rifle improved too.

https://www.brownells.com/guns...block-prod20727.aspx

Used a gas block like this one to cover up the holes in the barrel after the A2 sight was removed:

https://www.midwayusa.com/prod...diameter-steel-matte

Hello Members,

Thank you very much to all who shared their advice and opinions! As a member of this forum, I am always impressed with both the responsiveness, and the depth of knowledge and expertise that members possess!

I forgot to mention that the 1-4x scope is a Steiner P4Xi.

As SigM4, Bisleyblackhawk and mbinky suggested I mounted the scope and the front sight does disappear when the magnification is 2x or greater.

Yesterday I went to a local range and used the 100yd rifle section to put the scope and rifle to the test. I was very impressed, that after a few minor zeroing adjustments, and even with Wolf Gold 55 grain, I had three-shot groups at 50yd and 65yd averaging about 1.5 inches.

I still may modify the A2 sight, and like the idea of chopping the height down, especially since ADCO apparently does this for less than $40.

Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

Mmm... dunno. I've done it twice with no problems at all.

What you don't want to try and do is put some other type pinned sight on in it's place.
A clamp/bolt on gas block would be the way to go.

Zero effect on shooting or the new gas block holding firm.
I liked the magpul slim handguard so much I kept it vs free floating it.
But I may do that later.