Is it possible to remove the handguards without removing the gas cylinder?

I am thinking of this removal process:
  • Pry open the Rear Handguard
  • Band/Clip
  • Slide out the Rear Handguard
  • Slide over the Lower Band
  • Pull the Front Handguard back and up

I would to inspect the metal under the handguards for rust (i spilled some water there a few times years ago cleaning corrosive salts out of the barrel).

The gas cylinder is super tight, even with the special gas plug wrench and Gas Cylinder Wrench to prevent torquing the barrel. Then I read that a tight gas cylinder is good for accuracy and thought better of taking that out.

It's probably fine since I used hot water when I did salt flushing, but I want to get some RemOil on the barrel surface anyways just for peace of mind.
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread
This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.