I think I'm just going to have to call S&W on Monday for a repair. Kind of sucks since I'm sure it will take a month or so and will probably cost more than I spent on this thing.

I tried completely removing the barrel, recoil spring, and recoil spring guide. I re-assembled and it still wouldn't go. I'm thinking that the one time it "worked" with the recoil spring removed may have just been a fluke.

Would removing the grips reduce tension anywhere that might help with re-assembly?