Solved, used a vice depressed recoil spring and rod. put in a paper clip. On Monday I am going to the range with it.

Greetings, I took possession today of a new 10mm. I always clean my new guns. I wanted to just remove the lower from the upper, leave the barrel on. Did all the cleaning ,sprayed on TW-25 and tried to reassemble. What I should have done, was do the disassembly like my other STIs and put a paper clip in the guide rod. I didn't want to remove the barrel. I couldn't get the slide stop back in, so I fashioned a little piece of wood to keep the hole open and I figured it would get knocked out when I inserted the slide stop. That worked, but it wouldn't cock. Took it apart and that's where I am.That recoil spring is a bear. Any sage advice?

I regret giving my son a Remy 700. He pawned it. That was several moons ago and now he's a Captain in the USAF. I have given him several guns lately, new .. Bought him  a  Baretta shotgun for this Channukka/Christmas. I have replaced the 700 for myself same .270.                                                           I know this isn't what you asked but, got rid of a Taurus and glad I did.