Dont force it, get a bigger hammer!

Just kidding.

Get that junk wood off, it will make great kindling for starting the wood stove in the morning!

Maybe Bubba needed to use epoxy because the twist on the iron wire holding the hand guard down wasn't tight enough?

It will be interesting to see what the barrel markings are. I note the distinct step down in diameter of the barrel just back from the muzzle to fit the Sht.LE front sight ramp collar. This suggests to me what could be a modified long Lee unit or even opens the possibly of a heavy Lithgowicon target barrel.....

So as my grand mother used to say...Take your time, but hurry up!