Installing M44 Barrrel Band?

[Jackal]

I have a mint M44, however, it has no barrel bands. I have an extra set sitting here, but cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to install them. Do I just spread them and slide them over the side of the barrel? I don't really want to break them or scratch my rifle all over. Anybody know??

 

[Hoppy590]

i cant give you any better advise then "shove it on" sorry. figured id say something so you dont think your getting snubbed

 

[Jackal]

Well, I just got angry at it and whipped out the Dremel. I cut the center bottom side out of the bands as shown in the pic. I then just cold blued the bare steel and it fits really tight and can't hardly be noticed from any angle other than directly from the bottom.

 

[Hoppy590]

well wait. what was the problem? the bands not on the guard or the bands wernt pass the sight? ( meaning never installed or replacements that are removed from the rifle)


im unsure on if you were asking how to put them on with out maring the finish or how to get them past the front sight?

 

[Cosmoline]

You just needed to remove the front sight! See www.7.62x54r.net for specifics on this. It's pretty straight forward as long as you have a brass punch or hammer. Takes about five minutes. But I guess cutting them works, too, just don't get cut on the edge of the back one during recoil.

 

[Jackal]

You just needed to remove the front sight!

I had the front site removed. The bands would not and could not squeeze around the bayo lug.

 

[Cosmoline]

Now that I think on it, you may have to remove the pins and slide the whole assembly off to get those stinking bands on.

 

[Kymasabe]

My M44 bands opened at the bottom, could be spread open and slipped over the bayo lug. Were made of spring steel and easily went back to shape later.

 

[White Horseradish]

Well, that's creative. I put the bands on bending them out, slipping them over the barrel, and squeezing back into shape with a vise.