Mine wouldn't come off either, and handgaurd ring was all bent up. I liberally applied kroil penetrating oil, let it sit a few hours, then tapped smartly (I didn't smash it. just smart controlled raps) with a small brass head hammer, and let sit a while longer. Vibrations work the oil into the joint. Then a piece of walnut dowel, and a big hammer. One smart blow to get it moving, then lots of light taps to work it off the rest of the way. If I had a large brass drift at the time...well it would have gone faster. Light heat also helps the oil work in deep (no flame...heat gun). I've never had to cut off a 1903 front sight, no matter how stubborn it was. Works on the pin too.