Tim..........
It would be a lot easier to show than to tell. :o)

With the slide held upside down, insert the barrel. The link should be "flopped" to the chamber end. Place the recoil spring guide in place and position the end that fits around the link. Flop the link up.

Now, without moving anything, invert the frame and slide it in place on the slide. Flip the assembled piece over and look through the slide lock hole. You should see the link close to the proper position. Jiggle the gun as needed to get the link just right. Slip the slide lock in place, retract the slide a tad so the notch meets the slide lock tab and press it home.

A little practice at that and it'll work every time.

Rich