Mine (e-series round butt) always worked well, too.
I never fired it, though, so I don't regret trading it. Most of the time.
You have a lowly smith and you havent fired it? WTF? how do you know it even works right JK
My dads e-series full size, the f***ing ambi safety lever fell off the side. (not fitted properly from factory) Thankfully Lou @ BEC fixed it for me, its been fine for him ever since.