Hirsch Curved Strap Removal Question

[Daytona88]

I have a curved Hirsch strap installed and love it. Have not tried to remove it yet because I can't figure out how to best get the spring bar tool in there without scratching the strap or worse, the lugs. It is a very tight fit and the strap is very thick on the case side so it does not compress. NOW I finally understand why some people prefer exposed spring bar holes. For years, I was