Remove the pin and take the weapon back apart, but DO NOT remove the barrel bushing, operating guide, or recoil spring.
Turn the slide over so you are looking at the bottom of the barrel and you will see the aperature where the pin goes through. Notice it moves back and forth. That hole has to be flat against the operating rod guide (perfectly verticle) when re-assembling. The easiest way to do this is to re-assemble with the muzzle pointed straight down, making that hole at a 90-degree angle to the ground (perpendicular), then slide the reciver into the slide and realign.
The she'll go right back together for you!
If you are not familiar with the platform, just post it here and I'll take pics of the assembly and post them. Also, remember that the hammer must be cocked and you CANNOT have pressure on the grip safety (dovetail) when assembling.
Try above and if you're still having problems let me know, and we'll go through it step by step with pics, which is how I learned. Like you, the directions for me were no help
But I had my experience with my colts, so I kinda knew but kinda didn't. Never be afraid to ask for help, especially on expensive toys!
But let me know if I explained it OK to you, bro. If not, we'll get er done for you one way or the other.
Richard