After re-reading all the posts just a moment ago, it suddenly dawned on me that the inspiration for my needle nose plier solution actually began with RShaw's suggestion in his 9/18/2017 post.
".....Or place one plyer needle against the top of the firing pin, the other on the underside of the spring guide and open the plyers?
Just an idea.
What went in, should be able to come out...."
It sure did!
Many thanks RShaw for "planting the seed!"
Dave in TN