My condolences. I am a do it your self kind of guy. I would cycle the action a dozen times. Check if it has a primer strike. If it does it was a dud. I would try prying it from the back without causing damage before I would try to tap it out. Poor Hoopies 9 down the barrel and let it sit. It should break up all the carbon and brass oxidation. Keep us posted. Ps that is one special piece of hardware.Dad passed away and I am bringing his M1 carbine back. Story has it that it's still got a live round stuck in it. Do I pull over mid desert and use a hammer to cycle the action or bring back to a gunsmith?