Greg: The most likely cause is a build up of "grunge" over the years. (Grunge = dried hard oil, rust, mud, grit, seeds, chaff etc). The cut outs in the frame that allow the below pictured parts to move can be clogged. The bolt group could be clogged and even rusted somewhat. The top lever will have a tough job to make everything move properly if the mechanism is clogged with grunge. Here are some images of the parts involved. If you are mechanically inclined, you can fully disassemble your gun (check the FAQ's). Make sure you use only hollow ground turn screw tips or you will be upset when a screw gets burred. If you are not comfortable with doing the job, have a gunsmith that knows Parkers do the professional clean up. Members on the forum will know someone in your area. If you want to see the guts of a VH, check my albums for "second chance gun" - a work in progress (I keep saying that but one day it will be done
) Also, there is a bit of mechanical info posted in the album with each picture.
Cheers,
Jack
The square top bolt slides into the barrel lug cut-out just to the right of the serial number
