Ruger 22/45 Mark III disassembly problem

No, this isn't the usual I've got it apart and can't figure out how to put it together problem.

I must have done something incorrect upon reassembly, because the pistol would not function correctly and now, I cannot get the mainspring assembly back out. It will come out about 1/2 an inch, starting at the bottom and then stop. It absolutely refuses to lever out properly, no matter what the force.

What should I do?

This is from http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/non-xd-other-gun-discussion-area/65796-problems-my-ruger-mark-iii-22-45-need-help.html

I've had that happen, and this fixed it.

>>>Ive done the exact same thing once before, its definitely the mainspring problem. You probably didn't get the "rod" into the "cup". If you look inside the gap where the mainspring latch goes, you will see a rod. You have to guide that rod into a cup on the mainspring latch for it to operate.

Insert an EMPTY magazine, ensure that the firearm is UNLOADED, and pull the trigger while gently tapping the barrel down on a piece of wood or carpet to get the hammer into the uncocked position. Then disassemble, and be sure to get that rod into the cup. To do this, tilt the gun up at a 45 or so degree angle (barrel to the sky) and then insert the mainspring latch. It is fixable and you don't need a gunsmith. The key is getting the hammer into the uncocked position first, then disassembling it, then reassembling it properly.

Thanks. The tapping on a piece of wood is what did the trick.

Ok, I am having the same problem except one thing. The magazine will only insert about half way now, also the slide will stick all the way back when cocked most of the time, even though the slide catch is down.

The guns brand new I was cleaning it before I took it out to shoot the first time. Hopefully this is something simple and it wont have to go to a gunsmith or back to Ruger already.

Any Ideas?