How to remove rear sight collar on 1903 Springfield

[QuailKiller]

I just picked up a 1903 Springfield that someone has attempted to sporterize.   The receiver is drilled and tapped and the bolt handle is bent down.  Since the collector value of this rifle has been lost,  I am looking to finish the sporter process of this rifle in attempt to make a decent hunting rifle out of it.  The barrel was made in 1942 and it looks really good.  I am considering leaving the military barrel in place, and I will polish it up.  I don't know how to remove the rear sight collar though, and I don't know what lies beneath.  My question is, how difficult is it to remove the collar, and is is worth it to try and sporterize the rifle with the military barrel, or should I take it off and sell it.  The barrel has not been tampered with and is still in military config.

Thanks.

[tacklebury]

I believe they are soldered in place.  A propane torch should give enough heat to let the solder flow out using a solder vaccuum or similar.  I have never done it on this model personally though, so you may wish to wait for a more expert opinion. 

[AtlLaw]

Whoa!  Hold on there Sparky!     You say it's a '42 barrel!?      What month?  Early '42 with the rear sight collar in place should make it a Remington '03 barrel.  Later may be a so called '03M.
 
Tell me it hasn't been cut!  I assume not since you know the date.

[swifty22]

Quail-NOT soldered. It has a cross pin on the IIRC front underside. I know cause when I was a kid I tried to drive one off from the rear w/ a BIG hammer and a punch. I didn't know about the pin and destroyed the rear sight collar-Muddy.

[gunnut69]

The site isn't soldered but there is a material (asphaltic) between the barrel and base. heatibg the base is a good idea but not too much. The goo will melt and run out and will catch fire on the way to the floor a real fire hazard...

[QuailKiller]

Thanks for the help.  Sorry I took so long to reply, I have been swamped at work and I lost track of this thread.  The receiver is a Springfield 859,xxx which I believe places the manufacture date around 1918.  The barrel is marked 4-42 and it is marked SA.  The barrel has not been tampered with in any way except it may have been re-crowned, but I'm not sure. 

The receiver has been parkerized and it sports stamped steel bottom metal.  I'm assuming this rifle was rebuilt in early WWII.  I am open to any tips or advise or cool facts anyone might have.

[gunnut69]

Its a shame the receiver was sporterized.. but it is above the majic number to escape being a 'low number' springfield.. It would be quite valueable as a military... I would replace the barrel with a lower end modern made barrel.. It will likely be more accurate and the military barrel would be worth enough to provide (nearly anyway) the cash... That part of the history at least could be saved. That said removing the rear site sleeve should be done carefully to avoid damage to the sleeve as they are the most valueable part of the sight as they are often destroyed during removeal. Heat should be maintained on the sleeve as it is lightly tapped off with a soft punch...I like copper.