What's the average cost to remove front sight from AR barrel?

Would I be better off buying a new barrel? I don't like the front M4 style sight on my varmit rifle. It creates cowitness issues with my scope. I'd like to take it to a gun smith and have him put on a low profile gas block, but I don't know if that'd be cost effective.

Do it yourself. Gas block costs less that he will charge you. Get a flip un BUIS up front.

You can even grind the A2 post down, being careful to not interfere with the gas system.

Not a big deal at all. Definitely not worth getting another barrel. The gas block and flash hider have to come off to get the barrel off anyway so more steps for a gunsmith equals more money out of your pocket. I've cut the a2 sight down before as well then sanded it on a belt sander. The low profile gas blocks are cheap enough to make it hard to justify messing with the a2.

Removing the front sight from an A2 rifle is relatively easy, just get a punch and a hammer and knock the pins out. You will need a new crush washer for the flash hider if your rifle has it to replace the one thats on it now when you remove the flash hider. You can get a low profile gas block for around $20 and most are just set screw installation. When you pull the A2 front sight off, knock out the very small pin that holds the gas tube in place and reinstall in your new gas block. You tube will make it easy to understand and its not a hard job if you are comfortable doing it. If you were local I would do it for you.

Only problem you might run into is if the flash hider is larger diameter than the barrel and if the flash hider is pinned. But with most 5.56/.223 AR15 rifles it is not a problem.

where are you located?

As above, find a you tube video for your specific gun (they are out there for sure) and do it yourself. Really isn't a huge deal and will be cheap. I switched out my hand guard from the standard plastic to a free float and in the process had to switch out the gas block on my AR to a low profile. I did it all with the help of youtube and although I didn't have exactly the tools needed I got the job done. It is doable.

Midlothian

What's the average cost of a hacksaw?

If you make it to lewisville, I'd be happy to remove it for you. Easy peasy

drimmel is your friend or old school hacksaw as TC mentioned.... cut the post off you wont get any more low profile than that.... point is, just do it your self