Can I remove a Kar98k sight base sleeve from the bbl?

[kombi1976]

I've got a sportered 1941 Kar98k which has the bolt handle bent and has been drilled, tapped & scoped.
I'd like to restock it with a sporting stock but would like to retain the original bbl as the bore is practically new despite some pitting on the outside.
My problem is the rear sight base sleeve.
It means extra and unnecessary inletting in a stock and also sticks up under the scope.
Is it possible to remove this?
Is it sweated on or silver soldered or normally soldered or is it an integral part of the barrel?
Any hints?

[rebel49]

Kombi:
It is sweated on with solder. Get the sight leaf out, push down at the hinge area and pull back toward the receiver, it is kind of tough to do. Under the leaf there is usaully a screw, remove it. Now heat the sight base till you see the solder start to flow and then drive it forward with a hardwood block. You will have to remove all the excess solder from the barrel before you can reblue it, just polish it off with some emery cloth.
Rebel49

[tbmaker]

Just like rebel said.
I've removed sights from 3 mausers, it goes pretty easy.
Just get the set screw out, heat it up till it bubbles then give it a light rap and it should slide off.

[kombi1976]

Is there a particular means you used to heat the bbl?

[rebel49]

Just use a propane torch, it won't take much to heat it up and loosen the solder.
Rebel49

[kombi1976]

Just use a propane torch, it won't take much to heat it up and loosen the solder.
Rebel49

So there's no danger it'll warp the bbl?

[tbmaker]

Nope.
The solder will flow long before you get the barrel that hot.
I'm not sure you could get it that hot with a propane torch to do major damage to the barrel.