German P38 - CYQ / Problem

I have a P38 which I have had for 2 decades +. I can no longer take it apart for cleaning. The slide release will unlock all the way but the slide will not come off the frame. It comes out about an inch then it stops. I have tried everything to dislodge it but to no avail. In the early 1990s, I had changed the small spring that operates with the slide release and all was fine until recently. Any thoughts on what might be wrong and how I can repair. Or, know of any good P38 smiths I could send this to for repair? I am in DFW area.

Thanks in advance for any help.

The most obvious thing to check first? Magazine. Gotta be out. Guess how I know?

If the mag's out and it still won't come apart, then cycle the safety.

If that doesn't do it, then it's likely something's actually wrong. Probably minor. But not always.

When it stops going forward does the end of travel feel "springy" or is it an abrupt hard stop?

It is a hard stop. It comes out about an inch then will not move beyond that point. I can push it back in and it moves but will not come forward anymore. I have always had the Mag out. I will try the safety and see what happens.

It has been years since I had one apart, but seems like the hammer lowering lever must be pushed down in the receiver before the slide will come off. Just guessing right now, but you might check that.