Removing drum from rear axle

[bankrobber]

What is the best way? I wanted to check my rear brakes but the drum is on pretty tight. I tried hitting it a few times but it didnt come off. Not much space between the dust cover and drum to hit. I never did drum brakes before. On my old truck I always replaced the disc brakes and paid to have rear drum done by mechanic. Only way I know is to hit it with a hammer. Just wanted to check before I did that. I have 82,000 highway miles. When I hit it a bunch of brake dust came out!!!!