What's a possible cause for extremely stiff action?

[Bill Murphy]

It is not unheard of for the lever to stick in the right position until you give it a push. You will know whether the top lever spring is broken because it will not return even after you give it a push. This sticky lever needs to be corrected by lubrication or by a gunsmith. I have had Parkers that have sticky top levers but have not been successful in correcting the problem without sending them to a gunsmith. Lubrication without disassembly doesn't seem to help.