The front iron sight can be removed with a mallet and punch. Altough you would need to have a new rail system to go with it. Since the handguard isn't a free float design.
If you did break the selector link then you won't be able to get a spare part. But I did create an 3d model for it so you could print it out. Preferably in aluminium otherwise abs plastic could also work. This is my first prototype and you may need to shave some edges off.
If you can't remove the upper receiver then the charging handle that is attached to the bullet ejection part may be blocking it. Try to pull and hold this back while sliding the upper receiver forward.