Star Model 30MI

[Eddiejoe]

I bought this at an auction. I had some surface rust, so I had it Cerakoted. It had feeding issues prior to the coating being applied, and it still does.
It does not go back into battery. The slide stops approximately a half-inch from completing it's forward travel. I have replaced the recoil spring, thinking that that was the issue.
I know that this issue occurred prior to the coating, but is it possible the coating it thick enough that even with a replaced recoil spring, the slide and frame fit together too tightly? How can I check if this is the case?

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Field strip the pistol. Lightly lubricate the slide rails. Install the bare slide on the frame and place the slide in the in-battery position. Tilt the muzzle end up to approximately 45 degrees.

The slide should move all the way back freely, with no help other than gravity.

 

[Eddiejoe]

AHA!
It doesn't slide all the way back. It stops as soon as it makes contact with the cocked hammer. With very little effort, I can move the slide all the way back.
The underside of the slide at the rear has about an inch-long scuff mark in black.
The hammer is black and the slide is tan.
With my thumb, I can move the hammer rearward about another eight of an inch.