Let me give a breif history of this pistol, a Light Weight Loaded Micro Compact from Springfield Armory.
In the first 125 rounds, I had one minor FTF. The round simply hung up on the steep ramp. The next 200 rds were flawless. This was the last time I used the factory mags, as I'd aquired 1 Wilson Combat 7 rd and 2 Kimber 7 rounders. All these were tested and worked fine at this point.
Next time at the range, in about 125 rounds, I experienced about 5 or 6 of the same type FTF as the initial one. These occurred with all three mags. Some were with FMJ, and some with Ranger T JHP.
Following this event, I purchased, tensioned and installed a WIlson Combat Bullet Proof extractor (also found the extractor socket to be very full of crud, as I'd neglected to clean this area of the pistol properly, a situation I now take care to get each cleaning). I also lightly polished the feed ramp and chamber with Flitz and a Dremmel.
Next out, in about 50 rounds I had the slide lock back prematurely 6 times. Again, occurred with all 3 7 round mags. I worked on the stock slide stop a bit, and next trip fired 21 rounds. Several premature locks again. I ordered a Wilson Combat Bullet Proof slide stop (which has a detent in it to prevent premature lock).
Today, I went back to the range. I fired 28 rounds, all WWB FMJ. I had 3 malfunctions. First up, the Wilson mag. Flawless. The first (only time I've ever seen this one) malfunction was the last round in one of the Kimber 7 rounders. It ended up protruding from the slide, nose up, rather than in the chamber! Next, the other Kimber mag. I again ended up with a FTF, same as I'd experienced hundreds of rounds ago, It just ran into the ramp ans stopped.
I figured "enough with the Kimber mags" and decided I'd stick to the Wilson. Ran one more mag, and got a premature slide lock! Fed up, I cut my range time way short. No sense wasting the ammo (I am trying to get through several hundred rounds malfunction free, so I can carry the gun and feel reasonably confident in it.
Now I know these things have a rep, but have also read they can be made to run correctly. My patience is running thin, but is not at an end.
So, plan of action? There is the question, Should I send it back to Springfield? (They will likely at least make me replace the slidestop I "worked on" -slightly dimpled at the plunger contact area, and took some material off the inside edge where it was catching the nose of the rounds). But maybe they can fix it? (I will put stock parts back in prior to doing this).
Or, do I find a local smith (we do have a very reputable one in Marianne Carniack, not sure what would be involved $ or wait wise to get her to work on this).
Is it possible my recoil spring needs replacement? Perhaps the plunhger tube spring? Should I just try a buch of different ammo??
Don't suggest selling it, as that is no option right now. Couldn't dump the problems on someone else. Besides, I'm stubborn as hell, and determined to see this sucker run right! (Hey, it went over 200 rounds without a hitch, so I know it's possible!).
So, what do you folks say?