WTK: Benelli M1 Bolt Handle Removal

A buddy just picked up Benelli M1 at a local fun show.

Finally got around to disassembling the M1 for a good cleaning and we are unable to remove the bolt handle from the bolt.

The manual states "remove the bolt handle with a firm tug".

Either he has some weak fingers or is doing something wrong.

Just wanted to check with the experts here to see if he forgot to "press the bolt handle removal button" or we just need to have at it with the vise grips (which he do not want to do ).

Thanks,

Hoover

I just found the shoe string method on an earlier post and after two tries, the bolt handle came out.

Great site with a wealth of information.

Thanks,

Hoover