P14 front sight removal

OK, I have a P14 that has been cut down and I am trying to get it back to military configuration. The problem that I am having is trying to get the front barrel band with the bayonet lug (nose cap) onto the rifle. So... I need to remove the front sight to do it. I removed the cross pin and went to pound off the front sight toward the front... no dice... it wont budge...

I don't want to damage it... is there any tricks to removing it? Do you have to remove the key first? Any help is appreciated.

I am also looking for a rear handguard retaining ring.

Cheers,
Craig

Craig, Try soaking it for a day or two in Kroil or WD40. I have removed one or two from my M1917's & they can be a real b#*^h

have a buddy help.
take a peice of 1 inch thick wood, and set it on the concrete, put the muzzle down on the wood, with the action in the air, with a good size hammer, and a bronze flat nose punch, drive the front sight base off, not sure how you would get the sight key out without removing the sight base..