Just purchased an FI mod D at an auction for $407. It was very dirty so your video was a big help, thanks. Mine is blued not stainless like yours, with silver F I Industries medallions on both grips. Also, my recoil spring is captured on the guide rod, doesn't come off like yours. Mine has a 16 etched on the slide and frame in the same locations as your 78 etching, so that may not be date of manufacture. I use a piece of rod with a rubber mocap to compress the magazine spring and clean inside with a long Q-tip. Now I'm ready to try it out! Thanks again for your help.
Mine is black. I found out that the firing pin gets gunked up after many rounds. You have to spray them out with a good "degunker" spray. I also found out that it says FI, made in Washington DC but it's made by Garcia (Star?). Frankly, this is a great little pistol and has an adjustable rear site (windage). My guide rod is stripped though, it won't catch on the barrel anymore and is hard to put back together or get it to stay put to get the slide back on. Got it for 75 bucks...can beat that!!
I have never had any issues with mine. I have put over 500 rounds through this particular one and have only had a few issues; I attribute some of that to the crappy ammo I was feeding her.