Congrats on the new piece. I haven't had many problems with mine, and originally bought it as a trainer for my other 250 models.
As for your second question, no mods that I'm aware of.
As for your first question, yes, I had the same problem. I figured out that the takedown lever does get hung up on something. But eventually I figured it out and haven't had trouble since.
Try this: Point the gun upward (north), then rotate the takedown lever 90 degress,then try removing the slide. Pointing the gun north causes the barrel and guide rod/spring to move slightly rearward, and enough to allow you to operate the takedown lever easily.
Try it and let me know. Good luck .
As for your second question, no mods that I'm aware of.
As for your first question, yes, I had the same problem. I figured out that the takedown lever does get hung up on something. But eventually I figured it out and haven't had trouble since.
Try this: Point the gun upward (north), then rotate the takedown lever 90 degress,then try removing the slide. Pointing the gun north causes the barrel and guide rod/spring to move slightly rearward, and enough to allow you to operate the takedown lever easily.
Try it and let me know. Good luck .