Picked it up new for a crazy low price. First 100 rds no issues. Broke it down, cleaned and lubed. Now 90% of the time I get this malfunction with guide rod protruding and dead trigger. Goes bang when tapped home. I’ve checked the recoil spring position which seems ok. I use the slide stop every time to chamber a round. I am thinking it’s something I am doing since it was running right out of the box. Here is a pic

FTRTB by Trevor Gilliam, on Flickr

...and somebody talk me out of buying a new S&W 642-2 with internal lock for $249. I hate the look of the lock but price is almost too low to resist.

^^ I had a 642 and couldn’t stand the unsightly lock, even though I removed the lock. ( I never could find a plug for it ).

I have since traded the gun but I must admit for 250 I’d probably buy it; especially since I’ve gotten j frame fever again!