No damage. There's a boss on the plate as hammer stop. Put one thumb over the hammer and pull back. May help to push down on the hammer spring while doing so. Doesn't take the strength of The Hulk. As for the "sticky" lock on the left hand, you might want to PM Jim Legg as he has posted the "approved" method of removal which involves, if I remember, light impact to the front of the bar. I just pushed them out on an AyA but might have been just dumb luck. If you need to remove them for cleaning, might as well know the best way up front.
jack
