I'm an idiot apparently. While disassembling my mid-80's Marlin 1894 to install the new MI rail I screwed up badly.
The handguard would not come off after removing the side screws. So a block of wood and hammer were used. Split the wooden handguard.
Then remembered I had a firearms manual that covered the Marlin 336.
The front sight needs removed. Then the clamp that holds the magazine tube to the barrel comes next. Then the handguard SLIDES FORWARD AND OFF THE MAGAZINE TUBE.
Repaired the split handguard and the glue line is barely noticeable. The original buttstock might get some sanding and a coat of flat black paint anyway.
Then the kicker, not caused by me...the MI supplied screws are a finer thread than the screws holding my handguard cap on. Done till Monday when my local bolt/screw company is open.
The MI rail is very nice, and my spare TLR-1 HL is mounted at 9 o'clock. This rifle has been used for hunting a lot back when I was involved in slaying four footed creatures, so it already has enough character dings/scratches to make the split handguard less of an aggravation.
Paladin