No those are recoil plates to help keep the stock from splitting. Chances are the action is bedded to the stock with acraglass or some other agent. If the rifle was built right,there probably a recoil lug on the barrel as well which fits in a mortise in the stock. The best way to separate is to remove the floorplate and folower. Then take the rifle,place the barrel against a sofa or some other soft material and with your hands,push down against the forestock. It should pop loose.