BSA Standard help- getting the stock recess cover off

[45flint]

Would like to get the recess cover off my 1919 BSA Light to see if by chance he stored the rear sight there when he settled on using the aperture. Easy to get the 2 screws out but the cover won’t give. I’m sure it’s been in there for 90 years. Any thoughts on a method without breaking this old wood? Really don’t want to risk breaking the piece as I will be using the aperture only as well. Not worth undue risk.

[junglie]

Does it sound like there's anything in there when you shake the stock? It could be wood glued in, i'd soak the join in white spirit but not much as you don't want to swell the wood, then try after half an hour.

[draitzer]

You might try 2 larger screws that will just bite into the holes of the cover. Install them as levers to wiggle the cover while pulling on it gently & patiently of course.

Don R.

[Josie & John]

You might try 2 larger screws that will just bite into the holes of the cover. Install them as levers to wiggle the cover while pulling on it gently & patiently of course.

Don R.

You beat me to it Don. Careful is the name of the game here and if the cover won't budge, best not to risk it.

John

[45flint]

You beat me to it Don. Careful is the name of the game here and if the cover won't budge, best not to risk it.

John

Thanks to both of you, my gut tells me to leave it alone, if I did find the rear sight in there I would end up just putting it back. Lol. Not very got risk to reward?

[isobar]

i removed mine using Don and John's suggestion,applying equal lift/wiggle to both screws,it was worth it for me because there was an inscription dated 1920 on the underside.at the time i thought i needed to remove the stock to get at the spring which of course you don't.there is a leaf spring under the wooden cover.

[micky2]

You might try 2 larger screws that will just bite into the holes of the cover. Install them as levers to wiggle the cover while pulling on it gently & patiently of course.

Don R.

Yes that as worked for me in the past. apart from one which came away in 2 half's, the spring had rusted to the stock. but l glued back together again and it was fine.

[45flint]

Decided to not touch it given the motive was curiosity. Decided to find a filler for the rear sight slot so it doesn’t drive my perfection gene crazy.