That's too bad. I'm just a big brown truck away if your local guy won't do it for you. It's also pretty damn hard to get the front sight on straight without the receiver attached as a reference point. It also needs to be test fired going to 12 inches of actual barrel since the gas port in the barrel may need to be opened up to allow more gas volume.
Before going a lot further examine your sights well. The reduced sight radius will reduce your sight adjustment range as well....so if your rear sight is near or at the limits of its elevation and windage currently, the sights may run out adjustment before you can get them back to matching POA/POI and you'll be really disappointed.
So let's say for argument's sake you decide to consider sending it to me. You already have the pin on flash hider, so there's no parts charge from my end. The charge for a cut and crown is $75.00, permanent attachment for pin-on part adds $25.00 and return shipping to you by UPS ground will run you $30.00 in the continental US. So for $130 (plus shipping to me) I'll do the job for you and turn it around in a week or so. Is that much more than the local guy who wants you to do the barrel pull and reinstall? If it's not let's get it in here and make it happen for you. I also have a discount program for NRA members, and LEO/Military that can knock the costs down a bit. Not a lot since it's not a large bill, but every bit helps. Think about it and then shoot me an email from my signature line and we can work out the details. Bear in mind that I accept some trading from time to time if you have some spare gun parts or accessories that I can use on other jobs. Never let money get in the way of what you really want because there's always creative ways to make everyone a winner. I also encourage you to support your local gunsmith whenever possible, but if he's not supporting you then looking elsewhere is something he should expect you to do.
