Hello John42768.
   If you are going to remove the upper hand guard for an extended period of time place a 25 cent piece in the rear spring and a Nickel in the front spring. They can be a bear to insert in some as some springs seem to have a lot more tension than others. At the present I have an '01 guard, totally split from end to end, with the coins in it, waiting for me to find a really good glue to stick it back together so it will hold. Try it as I know it really works.
                        best Regards, S.O.H.1898