Stuck Slide on Astra 3000

[mojo357]

Hi. I recently acquired an Astra 3000 in an auction. It's in beautiful shape cosmetically, but I can't get the slide open.
I've soaked it overnight in Kroil but it still won't budge.

I've had some amateur success fixing minor problems on other guns but don't want to ruin this gun by doing something foolish.
I'm thinking my next step is to try to disassemble it, starting at the barrel bushing. But before I do that, I thought I'd ask if anyone
here knew of a trick or maybe a procedure I might be missing. Or maybe had a clue what could cause the slide to lock up like that?

The seller offered to take it back but I like it too much and the price was very nice.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Flashcube]

Does the slide budge at all? It's been a long time since I had one of these pistols, but I seem to recall the safety lever locked the slide when engaged.

I could be thinking of something entirely different too, though.

 

[mojo357]

Thanks, flashcube. I've heard it might be a bulged barrel. I'll keep trying to get it open.