[Al Thompson]

I've got a Mauser that I've decided to clean up and shoot. Problem is that the forward barrel band (holds the two pieces of wood together between the bayonet lug and the receiver) has a spring inlet into thee stock. Despite me and my shooting buds best efforts, we can't get the "spur" to depress far enough into the wood to release the barrel band.

Any suggestions?

[Greg L]

I've put a flat screwdriver flat (or some other small piece of metal) against the spur and used a wood clamp to compress them (clamp on top of rifle and on screwdriver). By the time that the screwdriver is flush with the wood the spur is usually compressed enough to get the band off. Pad the top of the rifle from the clamp though. The nice thing about the clamp is that it will keep the pressure applied if you need to take your hands off to do something else like taking a hammer and another screwdriver and tapping the band off at that point.

Greg

[BamBam-31]

Mebbe it's hardened cosmo. Squirt some Purple Power in there and let it soak for a bit. Then do as above.

Good luck.

[Lochaber]

This may sound stupid, but do you have a cleaning rod in the rifle? If so it must come out first, or the spring will not depress far enough. Also on at least 2 of my Mausers I had to use a padded vise to compress the spring and then use a heavy wood dowel and a rubber mallet to move the band.

Loch

[Al Thompson]

Yep, cleaning rod removed. :) Wouldn't be the first time something simple has tripped me up.

I'll try the vise solution - thanks!

I don't think PP is the answer yet - I'm getting some movement, just not enough.

[Jim K]

If you have a drill press, pad the table and put a brass punch into the chuck. Then use the drill press handle to bear down on the spring. Use a brass or plastic punch to drive the band forward when it is free.

To avoid problems, make this a two person job, one to hold the rifle and the other to line things up and work the drill press.

Jim