Yugo Mauser front barrel band stuck!

[Shrinkmd]

I have a nice condition M48BO, and after an hour of hammering at it, I managed to move the front barrel band about 4 or 5 mm. I am using the clamp and wooden dowel as suggested by the takedown guide on Surplusrifle.com. No dice.

Any suggestions? I assume that there must be some cosmoline or something making the band stick too tight. I really want to get it off so I can give the rest of the rifle a good cleaning.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[JohnKSa]

They can be really tight. Make sure the clamp has the release spring depressed fully, and then be patient. Go slowly and work it off a bit at a time.

 

[RaggedClaws]

I had the same problem with a Russian-Capture 98K recently. In my case, I think the front band was varnished on. Oi vey.

Oil it up good with a penetrating oil, like Ballistol or Breakfree CLP, and let it sit for a while. Keep turning the rifle over to bang each side evenly. Eventually it'll come off, just be patient

 

[Chipperman]

Gently heat it up. That will make the metal band expand some, and also will help liquefy any congealed Cosmoline. Just don't go too much or you may scorch the stock.

 

[Kaylee]

um... I know this might be just stupid stuff you know already, so ignore me if you already know this, but um... you are depressing the little tab that's holding the barrel band in position, right?

 

[Shrinkmd]

Yeah

I will try the suggestions and get back later in the weekend. I will heat it, get something under the clamp to make sure it is being pressed in as much as possible without cracking the stock. I shot action cleaner and breakfree in there as best I could, so hopefully some combination of that, plus some heat, will get it off next try!