stuck front sight collar on my M1917

[SA M1Dom]

Hello all, I just had my 1917 re- barreled with a new criterion barrel. Went to put the rifle back together today and all was well until I got to the front sight collar. Not taking into consideration the barrel probably being parkerized I proceeded to begin taping the front sight on. It is now about a 16th of an inch passed the crown and it is absolutely frozen.It will not go further on and I can't tap it back off now. Anyone have this problem? and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Information

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[martin08]

If you don't want to mar the sight and barrel finish, you may have to carefully apply a slide hammer, puller or press. Sounds like it may be "gunsmith" time.

[Doco overboard]

Sounds like maybe the key is jamming you up and has become galled. Try to use a hardwood block about 8" long as a punch on the" EARS" and some Kroil or break-free of some sort. Hoppes # 9 works good too. A controlled hit with a larger hammer (8oz.) one time is better than multiple harder blows with a small one. Your wood block will keep you from hitting anything else you do not want to mar. If it absolutely wont budge, split the sight collar with a jewelers saw or a foredom where the band is towards the ears and not the new finish of the barrel and then drive off when the tension has been relieved. Replace as necessary. What you do not want to do is damage the key way or the finish of the new barrel unnecessarily. Chamfer the inside radius of the sight with crocus cloth gently and make sure the key is the correct one, it should fit fairly readily. Good luck.

[jamie5070]

A little heat applied to the sight base with a pencil torch may also help