Guts - in a word to your question YES, and your not being stupid. I had one rifle that I could not get to function correctly and it came down to putting in one of Fulton Armory's heavy clip latch springs - after changing everything else first.

Measure the bullet guide 'hump' or radius in front of the hole were the pin goes thru. From the flat edge to the top of the radius it should be a minimum
of .179 - when new that should be .183 if less than .179 it's scrap.

Another possible cause that I've had on a fellas rifle is the follower arm along with the bullet guide. Check to see if there is any shiney areas on them were the follower arm moves inside the bullet guide groove. If your follower arm or bullet guide is at all tweaked or bent and rubbing it will cause very hard insertion of the clip and cause the cycling motion to bind up.

Also check the clip latch and make sure it moves smoothly and is not blocked
from it's full motion with dirt or grime.

Hope you find it - good luck