It would be super to see a picture of that with the side plate off. That trigger bar is dragging someplace. I'm wondering about the back upper ear that rides the slide. They will often times pop out while the slide is off and need to be tucked back in.
I to doubt the spring is the issue but one never knows without seeing it.
Your onto something, I never heard about the issue going away with the side plate off on the other post.
Didn't you say it got better with a magazine in place but back to heavy without?
In Memory of Paul "Dietrich" Stines.
Dad: Say something nice to your cousin Shirley
Dietrich: For a fat girl you sure don't sweat much.
Cue sound of Head slap.
RIP Muggsy & TMan
"If you are a warrior legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending that JOCKO will not come today."