Ruger Mk I Mainspring Housing Stuck

[For Freedom]

So I was trying to put this Ruger Mk I pistol back together. As I was trying to get the hammer strut to engage with the mainspring housing I somehow managed to cock the pistol. Now the housing is jammed and protruding slightly.

This same thing happened about two weeks ago and I took it to the gunsmith. He took it in the back and pounded on it, somehow freeing it. I don't know how he did that, but I know he used a hammer.

Help!

 

[gb6491]

Tilt the pistol downward, squeeze and hold the trigger, then strike the muzzle on something solid (block of wood, bench top, etc.) to make the hammer go forward.
Regards,
Greg