:ike Rustycowl - I use a small punch, tapping the ring deeper into the groove. I also have a small flat screwdriver to pry then up and out. You can also use a propane torch to heat the piston and spray with the penetrating oil.
one piston ring moves slightly upwards as I tap the ring one end to the other . can't get a small screwdriver under the ring.. I tapped on the gap where the rings end . still won't budge.
I was thinking about boiling them in water and then while hot .. tap on the rings.