To solve this problem, we need to define a few things first, and then do a few tests.
First we need to define the problem:
"Hard to open once the triggers are pulled" is too vague. Specifically,
1) "Hard to open" means, a) hard to move the top lever? or, b) hard to open the action? (I'm assuming the latter, but either is possible)
2) "after the triggers are pulled" means, a) only after firing live shells? or b) ANY time the triggers are pulled, regardless of shells or not in the chambers
The reason this is important is because the specific symptoms are what point you to the possible cause.
Let's assume that the top lever isn't what you're talking about. So, taking a systematic approach, lets start with an empty, cocked gun and remove the forend. Now open the gun and try and take the barrels off. Do they come off easily as they should? If so, we know that the de-activation system for the cocking mechanism is in working order. Now re-assemble and dry fire the empty gun and try to open it. If it is difficult to open, re-cock it and close it, dry fire again, and remove the forend this time before trying to open it. Since you have confirmed that this will de-activate the cocking system (as it should), if the gun is still hard to open you now know that the difficulty is in the cocking mechanism.
On the other hand, if the problem only occurs after firing live shells, load it up (fully assembled) and fire each barrel. Now remove the forend again and try to open it. You now have de-activated the cocking mechanism, so if it is still hard to open you know that the shells are sticking in the chambers (the resistance you feel is caused by the extractor trying to force the stuck shells from the chambers). The most likely cause for that is, as Bill? suggested, the shell rims being a little too big for the rim recesses of the chambers. This can be dependent on the brand of ammo being used, and sometimes the fix is as simple as changing brands. It is possible that the situation doesn't exist with unfired shells (they don't stick until they expand from firing) but it can also happen with certain new, unfired shells. In that case, the gun will also feel a little resistant to closing when loaded, because the rims are being forced down into the recesses.
Make sense? A little sleuthing on your part should point you in the right direction to the cause. Make sure to report back what you find.
Jim
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