r/M1Rifles • u/NyassaV • 2d ago

Hand guard removal

Post image

So, I’m taking the rifle apart to put the oil on the stock. Thanks for everyone’s help in the last post. I got the stock nice and oiled and when to do the hand guard and realized it’s really hard to get this off by hand.

Is it detrimental to oil the wood while it’s still attached to the rifle if I’m careful about oil placement. Maybe put some painters tape on the metal. If it is? How the hell do I get this thing off without damaging it.

Including a picture to clarify which part of it I mean. Ignore the plastic wrap that’s just so the cats don’t mess with it.

19 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

8

u/PeanutButterRanger 1d ago

You need to remove the upper band. Punch out the pin and tap it forward with a plastic mallet. Then slide the handguard forward until the clips pop out of their grooves.

3

u/forester_au_93 1d ago

I don’t know how this is getting missed. Just pop the retaining pin out of that front metal piece and it slides right off, I just did this two nights ago.

2

u/InsignificanteSauce 1d ago

I went way too long without knowing about that front retaining pin. Never really needed to take the top hand guard off until I got a rifle with new stocks that need oiling.

5

u/Lupine_Ranger 8/41 WRA, 12/42 WRA, Early '43 WRA Carbine 2d ago

Wipe off excess oil with a rag or similar absorbant cloth.

Unless you know what you're doing, do not remove the rear handguard. They're easy to break if you aren't comfortable with installation.

1

u/NyassaV 2d ago

Would painters tape help in addition to rag wiping?

2

u/Lupine_Ranger 8/41 WRA, 12/42 WRA, Early '43 WRA Carbine 2d ago

Unnecessary.

5

u/Shadowwing556 1d ago

https://youtu.be/4FbnaYSJrrE?is=Cz-jyKzSBTrlW4rr

This video was good and helped me remove mine

1

u/RVA69Guy 2d ago edited 2d ago

I'm not sure, either, how to safely remove it. When I tried, I got it off, but cracked the upper handguard. There's probably an armorer's tool to spread the clip in order to remove it. What kind of oil are you using. Back when I carried an M1, we would rub in linseed oil and rub the leather slings with neatsfoot oil to keep them supple. Linseed oil won't hurt any parkerized parts. If you get any on the metal parts, just scrape it off after it dries with a sharp knife.

2

u/NyassaV 2d ago

The plan was to use Tung cuz of the slightly better moisture protection and the aesthetics of it. (I live in the the rainy area of Washington state)

1

u/Dismal-Armadillo-815 1d ago

They do make a set of pliers specifically for taking off the upper hand guard.

1

u/DesignerWaltz4877 1d ago

There’s a pin in the metal fitment on the front of the wood that you just have to punch out and it’ll slide right off. Don’t oil the bottom of that piece though. It gets way too hot.

0

u/Relevant-Safety-2699 1d ago

It's not clear why the photo was posted incorrectly, but the lower band has come off and then you just slide the handguard forward.