[AGE]

Stan,

As John said, you have to move the entire top "cannon" of the Luger back on the grip frame about 1/2" to rotate the takedown lever down and remove the sideplate. Opening the toggle won't release the lever, you have to move the "cannon" (the entire upper unit containing the toggle, barrel, etc.) back by gripping the frame and pressing the end of the barrel against a hard surface (slightly padded with a rag to prevent damaging the barrel). Sometimes it takes three or four hands to do this. It might be helpful to use a plastic putty knife to pry the head of the lever down while holding the "cannon" back. (I had to use the plastic putty knife on my 1936 shooter when I first got it--but it has loosened up now.)