So here is a few pics of my Glock 26.
I've had this gun for a few years. Initially I got it to shoot sub-compact in GSSF matches. After awhile I decided to carry it conceal. I've shot it in a few matches and for GSSF practice. I would guess it has north of 2k rounds. It is stock with Dawson Sights and a - connector and skateboard tape.
I was shooting it last weekend and I while loading it the slide didn't sling shot forward. At first I suspected maybe the slide release lever spring broke. I held the lever done with my finger and sling shotted it harder, the slide went forward, and I kept on shooting. I later went to the bench and noticed the slide release lever was fine. Nothing stood out. I went home to try and diagnose the problem. I replaced, 1 at a time, almost every single part on the gun considering it could be the trigger, trigger housing, recoil spring, ejector etc. After changing everything but the locking block I came here....hesitant because every google search resulted in "slide release." Thank you @
BigT who correctly guessed the barrel. I got my hands on another G26 and swapped barrels and mine would not slide move freely in that gun. The other barrel worked fine in my gun. I pulled out some calipers as you can see. (I guess I could have used calipers first but that wouldn't have been as fun).
From here I'll have to buy a new barrel. Because I shoot it in GSSF I'll have to get a factory barrel and I've already spotted some on Ebay.
How did this happen? I don't know. I don't recall any different recoil, strange shots. I've never had a squib, a double charge.