Without followup, I'm suspecting operator error.
I'd still very much like additional info.

Breaking (not finding it broken), a 1/8" piece off during cleaning BEFORE firing, and the same AFTER firing, does not sound like a factory installation goof, does not sound like the spring was broken BEFORE he got the pistol, does not sound like the spring is breaking during shooting, and occurring twice during cleaning with identical results, sounds like something odd going on as a part of whatever that cleaning process is.

Interesting.
Denis