I've got an older Bushmaster XM-15 and I hate the removable carrying handle sights and the A2 front sight. Do you think it is stupid to cut down the A2 sight gas block and make the XM-15 a flattop? My eyes are getting bad and I would like to have a low profile red dot on the gun. The A2 sight is totally in the way. I know a scope would be OK because I've got an AR like this but this one I don't want a scope on it. I know after market gas blocks are availability but for some reason I see a headache doing one of these.
Why not replace the upper and keep your current one in tact? I have an old Bushmaster and love it.I've got an older Bushmaster XM-15 and I hate the removable carrying handle sights and the A2 front sight. Do you think it is stupid to cut down the A2 sight gas block and make the XM-15 a flattop? My eyes are getting bad and I would like to have a low profile red dot on the gun. The A2 sight is totally in the way. I know a scope would be OK because I've got an AR like this but this one I don't want a scope on it. I know after market gas blocks are availability but for some reason I see a headache doing one of these.
I'm with SLD, It will give you a chance to try it. As far as chopping the block, I say go for it if you feel confident. If you bugger it up you can just get an inexpensive low profile replacement.Remove the carry handle and put the red dot on the rail. With the correct height riser, the dot will co-witness with the front sight. Try it out and see how it looks. If you still don't like it, then just replace the gas block. It is easy to do.
If you need some help, let me know? I am 1.5 hours North of you. If you come to my place, I have a spare gas block we can install.