How to :

[jbmi]

Go from this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/jbmich/IMG_2248.jpg

to this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/jbmich/6033.jpg

I'm handy enough to do it if I first learn the correct way. I don't want to start pounding out pins and turning bolts till I know the proper way and what tools I need.
Is there a book out there that explains with good pictures how to modify AR's. What basic tools do you need for a simple (?) job like this.

As you can tell I'm new with AR's, but I guess we all were at one time.

[Buck]

If that is the look you want, the easiest way accomplish that would be to remove the carry handle and hand guards, shave and refinish the gas block, and install a PRI free float tube...

B

[Eric D.]

To do the job right you'll need an upper receiver block, an fsb block, a barrel nut wrench, and a good set of punches.

I have the dpms panther claw upper block, the brownell's fsb block, pri barrel nut wrench, and the brownell's taper pin starter. They all work very well. I just recently got the taper pin starter and it is extremely handy. It's basically a nail set with a concave tip to match the radius of the pin head.

You can do a search on various tools used for working on ar's.

There's also various threads about barrel nut torque, alignment, and anti-seize.

Good luck

[shootist~]

Brownells has free build videos posted, with tool discussion, etc.

[jvencius]

To do the job right you'll need an upper receiver block, an fsb block, a barrel nut wrench, and a good set of punches.



While I'm normally all about DIY projects, the OP would probably be better off buying a complete upper set up like he wants than going through the "hassle" (to some it's fun, to others it's a hassle) of converting the upper he already has to the one in the 2nd picture.