One of my Auto-5s is very difficult to slide the compression ring over the mag tube threads. Is there a fix? Likely will buy a rebuild kit in the future as the spring (1953) is at least an inch shorter than my 1979 Auto-5. But in the meantime either I don't remove since the rings are set to HV or expand the rings, if possible.
The others are probably worn more. I know a new one is really tight. I had an issue last year and had to replace one.
If it’s the Bronze Friction Ring you’re talking about, according to Art it’s OK to pry it open a bit with a screwdriver.
