Have done it the #2 method hundreds of times, not one problem.

I assume it's done my way.

Remove all internal parts, turn barrel receiver up side down, place on something soft, towel, big rag, piece of foam. With a sharp awl or large nail, insert into one of the holes in the clip, using the barrel as a fulcrum, pry clip away from barrel just enough to clear the lip. Move to the other hole, do the same, then turn over and lift off the perfect handguard assembly. It may be sitting on the towel anyway.

Can't get any more simpler than that, Private.