Search the forum for Charles Daly. I've a couple of threads describing the initial problems with mine and how its held up for 4000 rounds.
Basically I liked it enough that I picked up an Armscor45 (the supplier for Charles Daly & RIA). It lacked the initial out of the box problems my CD EMS had and has worked 100% so far on 150 rounds of Wolf 230gr FMJ. Haven't had time to shoot it much yet, but for $330 its pretty amazing deal if it holds up as well as the CD has. This gun compares in features to the Springfield "Loaded" models ($600+) not the GI. Trigger on it and my CD compare favorably with my Kimbers. Only thing I don't like on it are the front slide serations (useless cosmetic doodad that I won't pay extra to get them, nor wll I pay extra to not get them) and the extened slide stop which I'll either replace or cut down to normal length.
Definitely look for new production, like anything else, it takes some time for them to get it right. People buy a CD, Armscor, RIA etc. for $300-400, have some minor problems and they post everywhere that they are all junk guns. Spend $900+ on a SIG GSR that doesn't work and they'll post its a fine gun after a few minor problems were fixed. There is no shortage of problem guns coming from Springfield or Kimber either. My first Colt was not reliable out of the box either, the second and third were, haven't bought a Colt in nearly 20 years so can't comment on what they are shipping now. Used guns are always a crap shoot, from my perspective I'd never sell a working gun so I assume a used gun gave its previous owner problems -- often it was limp wristing
As to failure to fire, assuming the feeding was solid, Check for a loose firing pin retainer, had this problem out of the box with my Springfield. Or there could be crud in the firing pin channel.
Got my CD and Armscor from A&J Guns out of Dallas, TX if you want a source for known current production at good prices.
--wally.