Need help, R92 lever and action stuck in battery

[peterthomas]

Located in Ogden but I may be in the SLC area later today

[peterthomas]

where are you at in Utah?
I might be interested in the rifle if we can do a FTF.

I am in Ogden. Would be happy to meet up.

[stevep1954]

i'll give it a try. payment has been sent.

[peterthomas]

Sold to stevep1954. Thanks!

[runfiverun]

never mind my PM then...LOL
a little late it appears.

[Nashville Stage]

Hey Stevep1954, let us know when you figure out the problem. We're still interested in hearing the diagnosis.

[stevep1954]

i have a feeling it is going to be a group effort... stay tuned.

[runfiverun]

pull the mag spring.

[stevep1954]

this is what he is sending

[stevep1954]

OK i received the rifle and gave it a once over. first i thought it was a stuck brass in the chamber holding it closed. after talking with Steve Young he didn't think that would cause the lever to not open.
so a second look and after doing the 2 things Steve suggested it still will not open. Steve suggested tapping the firing pin to be sure it was all the way in and tapping a brass rod down the barrel as i tried to open the lever. neither of those things moved it at all.
after hours of trying different things i have come to the conclusion that the screw that holds the cartridge guide on the left side might have been taken out before the lever was removed and the guide being loose is interfering with the lever motion. i can get the screw back in but i have no idea how the spring underneath it is seated.
the last step is to cut the receiver open with a die grinder and salvage the parts inside. if i keep pounding on the bolt through the barrel i think i will damage the lever.
before i get out the die grinder i thought i would listen to other opinions. i am in no hurry to destroy this beautiful rifle. it is a 16" 357 from 2017 with nice wood.
any thoughts on how to efficiently cut it open or new ideas to try before i cut on it?