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Yes Sir it can. And a Free Float hand guard can be installed using a low profile gas block. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk0e9LA1wqM&t=44s

Jerel - Yes, a post-type front sight like this can be removed. Sometimes that task is fairly easy, and sometimes it will pretty much require cutting the sight off the barrel. One can not really know what will be required until one tries to remove the sight. These sights are 'pinned' on the barrel. In this case, the sights also serves as a 'gas block', and one will have to install a replacement gas block to get the rifle to function. Installing a free float hand guard is not difficult, if one has a torque wrench and a wrench that will fit the barrel nuts (the free float hand guards use a different barrel nut, also, than the set up on this rifle). Most free float hand guards come with the barrel nut they require to be installed. Changing out a hand guard is usually not difficult, provided one has the right tools. a vise, and a vise block set up to secure the upper receiver while changing the barrel nuts. Also, one will need to purchase and install a front sight to replace the one

It will be cheaper buying an AR set up the way you want it. Seeing that you do not have the tools or the know how to do it. A 15 inch hand guard on a carbine is best. I have AR's with the standard hand guard and they shoot well. the only drawback is that you will need gloves to safely shoot it and not blister your fingers. I have 2 little blisters on my left fore finger from the sling swivel that are still healing from 2 weeks ago. Long courses really heat these guns up.