Changing stocks on an sks. New gas tube?

[saltyphotog]

I am changing out the stock on my sks. Will I need a new gas tube or is there a way to get the handguard off of the original without breaking the wood?

 

[model 649]

Take a look at yours. There should be a pin you can drive out at the small(rearward installed) end of the assy. On one of mine, the pin was larger at one end. I drove that one out from the "thin" side. Crude, but effective. This will allow you to move or remove that end of the assy. to clear the wood. Back the wood away from the other end and remove it from the gas tube.
Josh