Elbow grease, lots of elbow grease. Or heat to weaken the glue. Or a chemical solvent. Easy way to get out the switch covers is to drill into them, then use something (like a screwdriver) to pry them out.
The Dissident will separate in 3 places: pommel & body, body & switch section, switch section & emitter.
The Guardian will separate in 2 places: pommel & body, body & emitter (just above the switches, remove shroud first).