Stock Removal

[jmaurer]

I've been looking for a decent Russian SKS in an aftermarket stock as a donor for a Polish ceremonial stock set, and have finally found one. It's in what I think is an ATI Fiberforce stock. I've tried with what I think is reasonable effort to disengage the trigger guard and can get the latch to move, but there just isn't enough clearance to get it out. Any suggestions? I don't want to mar the rifle because of the stock, and I'd prefer to keep the stock intact to use as trade goods at funshows.

As a last resort, I will cut that sucker off, abuse it some, and then gleefully watch it melt in a burn pile...

[Greatguns]

pics, pics, pics. We need pics. 

Safety on, rounded tool like a #1 or #2 phillips placed in the dimple of the catch, smack it with a mallot or small hammer should pop right off. The only reason it wouldn't pop would be that there is no tension spring underneath the trigger housing. If that's the case, apply upward pressure on the housing while popping the catch so that the housing releases. May need a third hand for that.

[jmaurer]

Thanks, Greatguns. There doesn't appear to be a spring, although there looks to be a circular casting mark in the stock where one should be - may just be a sprue mark. I'll try to find something aluminum or brass to hopefully reduce wear marks. The rifle appears to be in excellent shape with minimal wear, aside from some slight peening of the bayonet lug from a now-removed bipod that used pointed steel pins to lock it in place.

Pics will be forthcoming, once it's in the Polish stock!

[Greatguns]

Before and after will be nice to see. 

[running-man]

Pulling a TG without that little spring helping is a bear.  Best to get a buddy who can pull it up while you steady the rifle and engage the tool in the catch. It will be an interesting dance trying to stay out of each other's way, but you'll get it out with a helper. 

[Greatguns]

In the past I've been able to support the tool and lift on the trigger guard loop with one hand and apply the hammer to the tool with the other. I usually do it over my gun vise so the action drops out onto the stock support area. A cleaning pad on the bench works as well and the weight of the action is usually enough.

[echo1]

Bigger hammer, harder blows, PAX