ok i have been fighting this thing for an hour now and cant get them off. the top hand gaurd slides indendantly from the bottom one right? because mine will only move together. im sure im missing something stupid but i cant figure it out. i have the gas system removed but not the outer tube. that comes out after handgaurd removal, yes? i can get both pieces to slide all the way back until they make contact with the reciever.

mine might be a little picky as i have one of the very early models. first 250 made and have heard of people having troubles. any suggestions?