if they didn't show you, there's a tang you have to flip out into the mag tube before you can field strip it. i've done it with the tip of my pinky finger when i didn't have a small screwdriver or small knife on me. it is easy to see once you take the mag out (sits just below the chamber). i found that the first crease of my finger best for the full size and shield, while pad on the tip of my finger is best on the smaller bodyguard for accuracy (was shooting low and left before i figured this out..ymmv).