Removing front band and sight from last ditch type 99

[aggarandise]

I've searched and found that the front sight comes off with a tapered pin, but is the front band also pinned on the last ditch? I have an extra barrel and it looks like it is grooved for a pin.

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[Marines55]

yes, a substitute standard type 99 (last ditch type) rifle have pinned front bands. they are very tough to get off, and impossible to make it look decent once replaced. it is a nightmare to do this process and unless you have a good 1 ton press i would not recommend attempting it at all!

[aggarandise]

Would it be easier to change the barrel? I have a barrel vise. I'll have to see about a wrench for the action.

[vintage hunter]

Would it be easier to change the barrel?

Probably not, but I could be wrong. There's usually more to swapping barrels the screwing one off and the other on. Seldom do they index perfectly AND end up with the correct headspace. This will require a lathe and chamber reamer to fix and, depending on how much has to be turned off the shoulder and breech face to allow the barrel to tighten up with the sights TDC, could effect other critical dimensions.

[aggarandise]

Okay, a mechanic buddy of mine has a press, so I'll try that route. Thanks!