Swedish Mauser front band Q.

Evening Gents,

I have a 96/38 (1915) Swedish Mauser, and the front band is Extremely tight to get on and off. Has to be tapped all the way whilst spring is depressed.
Is this 'normal' and correct? I have had other 96's and 38s years ago and don't remember this issue. Any light on this most welcome!
Rifle still looks about new, but has miss-matched bands. all else is matching.

Thanks in advance,

Richard.

I should have said in the above post, that the band and bayonet bare jam the barrel very tightly, with no movement whatsoever. Is this correct?

Appears I cannot edit after a certain time period.
I swapped the front band for another, and it slides on smoothly and sits snugly, but does not bind on the barrel as did the previous band. Will try it out and see how it fares.

Best,
R.