Stuck operating rod

[Profiteer61]

I'm sure if I read enough I will find this topic. I've read many suggestions on the net.
I can't remove the handguard due to the operating rod being jammed. I fired 2 rounds and they ejected correctly.
Pounding with a drift did nothing. I don't want to peen the hole.
Maybe unpin the gas block and slide it forward?

[Boris Badinov]

Op rod looks like its in.the right spot. There may be a different issue with the gas / recoil.

You've got the lever too high to remove the handguard.

Lower the lever to halfway to remove the handguard. Then cover the forward op rod hole before you lift the lever further to remove the op rod. Otherwise itll go flying and you'll be on your kands and knees looking for both the rod and the spring.

[Profiteer61]

The lever is hanging there. It doesn't matter where you turn it. The longer rod in the handguard isn't retracting. That's why the handguard won't lift out.