Hello. All week I've been fighting with my WST Blaster that I recently got. I can not for the life of me get his handle loose. Anybody else had a problem with this tiny little fragile figure?

I've tried getting a tiny flat-head screw drive in there and prying it out but no luck. I don't want to use any kind of force that might possibly brake him. Although, I am tempted to just cut the handle right where the gray arms connect to the black handle itself. Would rather not though.
Appreciate your help.