I can tell you exactly how. Went through years off-and-on of pulling out my hair over supposed "experts" telling me, "dissembling it will only contribute to unnecessary wear, you don't need to do that" all because they were too arrogant to admit they couldn't figure it out.... so, I finally figured it out on my own one night.
(Mine's not in front of me at the moment, so scrutinize me extra careful on what I'm saying if something seems off). On top of the slide is a little button. On the right side of the frame is a lever. You don't want to get this out of order because what I've later read you can actually filp a part internally and the only way to then get the slide off is to start cutting.
Pull the hammer back fully cocked just to make things easier. Pull back the slide, depress the little button on top, and release the slide. The slide should now be held open on its own. Now, push down, and continue to hold down, the lever on the right side of the frame. You'll see the slide move forward slightly and then pull the side to the rear and it should come right off.
With the slide off DO NOT DROP THE HAMMER if you don't need to. It will overtravel and the plunger will pop out. If you do this, you will be inventing new words to express your frustration.
Let me know how it works out. I still have an issue with mine and would love to compare notes.
-Walter.