removing backstrap from P9R / R9

[oldfatbubba]

Hi, everyone. This is my first post to this forum.

I recently became the owner of an FEG P9R (the older Interarms R-9 version) and am having difficulty removing the backstrap. My goal is to thoroughly clean and lube the hammer, spur, et al...

I removed the grip panels and pushed out out the retaining pin at the bottom of the grip but the strap doesn't budge. I tried applying WD40 but that didn't help, either.

Does it matter if the hammer is up or down? Am I just not applying enough force or is something wrong?

Regards,
Bubba.

Disregard.... I tapped it out with a rubber mallet and a small punch.