1903a3 rifle gunsmithing question

I need to replace the Lower Band and Stacking Swivel Band on my newly acquired CMP M1903a3. Both of them were already damaged when I unboxed the rifle after receiving it from CMP. I contacted CMP and they sent me new parts.

I looked online for answers about an easy way to swap out these parts but didn't get a definitive answer.

Can I just remove the Front Sight Blade to remove the Upper Band, Stacking Swivel Band, and Lower Band? Or do I have to remove the entire Front Sight Base to get those parts off the rifle?