I have a Serial # EAEXXXX, bought in December. The fired case was from November 17. 300 rounds thru it so far. I bought a box of PRVI Partizan ammo and I had a number of rounds that I had to strike 2-3-4 times before they would fire. The primer strikes looked weak even after the rounds fired. I used 1 box of russian bear steel case ammo, with no problems. So far, 3 boxes of blazer used with one round I had to strike 2x to fire. I am now reloading and so far, no double strikes needed. I think the PRVI ammo must have had hard primers.
I am experementing with loads, and plan on firing 3 different loads tomorrow-25 rounds each loading. Then I will settle on a powder charge. I don't expect and failure to fire as I use Winchester primers. As for the takedown lever problem, mine has been no problem so far.