Removing K98 stock

[johnnyreb65]

Okay guys need some help.

I'm trying to remove the stock to refinish. Problem is I can't seem to get the front metal band off. I've used vise grips to hold the spring down, the pin seems to be depressed all the way, but the band won't budge. If that band won't come off i can't get the stock off. I'm almost tempted to leave the steel on and work around it.

Any suggestions?

 

[steve1973]

For sticky front bands I use a wooden dowel on the edge of it and give it a few light taps with a hammer towards the front sight. That usually does it. Probably some crud underneath it is holding up the show....

 

[M77]

I had the same problem on my Mauser. The release just didn't seem to go far enough in. I wrapped a cloth around the barrel/release area, cut a small piece of wood dowel and put in in a vise. Compressing the release with the dowel just behind the band (gently) compressed it far enough in the band was able to come off. You really need 3 hands. Get help to hold your rifle in the vise. My problem was crud under the release. After I cleaned it out removal has been alot easier.

 

[redrommel]

For sticky front bands I use a wooden dowel on the edge of it and give it a few light taps with a hammer towards the front sight. That usually does it. Probably some crud underneath it is holding up the show....

x2. A couple light taps and it's off.

 

[H Wally]

I've also found that often there is a nice cosmo and crud combo worked in underneath the spring. If you can get a very thin knife into the crack and work out some of the goo that helps infinitely too. Those grooves are sometimes very deep and can pack full of a lot of stuff. Also, don't forget to tap on opposite sides to work it loose evenly and not gouge the bluing or warp the bands.