Gas Ram Lock Ring Removal?

[DevilsLuck]

So I decided to break down my DPMS Panther A4 Classic for a polish, and lube. When I got to the piston I found something I hadn’t seen in a Crosman gas ram before... There is a ring that is jammed between the ram body, and the piston wall. Perhaps this is to eliminate play between the two parts. To that end it works great! But for breaking down the piston it’s turning into a headache.
Have any of you come across this before, in any of your Crosman gas rams? Or is this exclusive to the DPMS series of rifles? I’ve tried using a pick to coax it out, but it isn’t slender enough. Any suggestions? If the ram were to go bad; it seems I’d have to order a new piston, and ram... I’m not even sure I can get parts for this particular gun. I looked but I couldn’t find an exploded parts diagram for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[DevilsLuck]

No luck, huh? I’d never seen it before either. I guess I’ll just have to leave this part as is until I can find out more info on it...

[mac]

I just took apart my second rifle and first gas ram,a Vantage NP and it has the same ring on the gas ram.Mine came out of the piston easily.I also wondered if it was there for a snugger fit in the piston so I put it back in.I believe that is it,s purpose,but it should pull right out.I wonder if you have a burr on the I.D. of the piston that is catching it or if the ring has come out of its groove wedging it in the piston?
I will add that the first gun I took apart was my Hastan 95 springer and this Crosman was in much much better condition internally,like no comparison better!

[Back_Roads]

 You should just be able to wiggle it and pull so it compresses in and slides past the outer grove. Might try rotating it to see a split  to check for a bur.

[DevilsLuck]

I think the ring has slipped from its intended position. If you look at the picture with the square cut out; you can see that the ring is wedged between it, and the ram... I tried twisting it; but it’s stuck pretty firmly. I’m hesitant to try putting it in a vise or using vise grips for fear of messing up the ram...

[Back_Roads]

 OK I see it now , I would try pushing it in from the opening in the first photo.