The takedown lever on the SD9VE and 40VE bugs a lot of people because it seems too short to grasp----and has enabled the aftermarket to sell extended takedown levers at a near 100% profit. Like many I find it almost impossible to pull down both sides of the lever at the same time leading to all sorts of frustration and foul language.
Today for grins----I followed the takedown procedure but after pulling the slide back slightly I only pulled down one side of the lever---then----I let the slide move forward---then pulled down the opposite side of the lever---and VOILA---the slide came forward and allowed effortless removal
TRY IT---YOU"LL LIKE IT---never too old to learn!!!