wow - what an intelligent and thoughtful post to introduce oneself with
Welcome Edward
you can find Dave's article on barrel steel in the digital archives of all issues of the Parker Pages ( there will be many more articles in there a metallurgist might enjoy ) the archives are available to members in members only section
the top lever begins life to the right - so that is good - wear will result in its moving to the left. that wear can be caused by abuse such as slamming the gun shut or i suppose lots of dirt.
please check the recommended gunsmith thread to find someone near you for a cleaning.
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...light=gunsmith