You are still having a problem with this?
I tried, out of curiosity, to insert the guide rod backwards.. couldn't do it. Now I know that the tactical has a non captive guide rod, so maybe that's it.. I dunno' dude..
It really should be a simple thing. For my service model.. it's lock the slide back, push the disassembly lever to noon, release the slide, pull the trigger, remove the slide. The only thing that could hang it up in my mind is if you forgot to remove the magazine, or maybe if there is a bullet in the chamber... but you will know if there is a bullet in the chamber when you pull the trigger...
Sounds like you have a problem bigger than I can help you with.. good luck..
Raymond