I can't remember what I used, either used vice grips or I put a large pair of needle nose pliers through the ring till it was tight and then used the handles to open the pliers and slip the ring off. I leave the U shaped part on the gun and put a loop of paracord through it so I can still use it as a sling loop.
Hey Shell shucker have you shot that gun yet with the new sights? Maybe you told me already but I'm curious about the front sight height?