I'm having trouble reconciling this phenomenon, unless perhaps people are riding the slide when they chamber the first round and the lock up is different. Pistols typically have recoil springs in the 10 - 18 pound range, if you pull the slide back to full extension and release, mechanically, the gun should lock up the same as it would under a normal firing condition.

Perhaps giving the gun a good sharp rap with the heel of your palm after you charge it would make sure it's fully in battery. I'd like to hear Bill Reihl's thoughts on this.

Anway, I'd be tickled pink if I could shoot 25 yard freestyle groups like those that GJM posted above. I certainly would not be worried about first round flyers.