What's a possible cause for extremely stiff action?

[Dean Weber]

Dave,
Like Steve said, opening the gun (not breaking down) after having been fired (hammers dropped) requires the gun to cock the hammers thus giving more resistance.

However, you also described a curious thing when you said you have to push top lever to left to close the gun. I don’t understand that portion of your statement. Are you saying you are unable to close gun without manipulating the top lever?

[Tennessee Dave]

Originally Posted by Dean Weber

Dave,
Like Steve said, opening the gun (not breaking down) after having been fired (hammers dropped) requires the gun to cock the hammers thus giving more resistance.

However, you also described a curious thing when you said you have to push top lever to left to close the gun. I don’t understand that portion of your statement. Are you saying you are unable to close gun without manipulating the top lever?

Yes. When breaking down the gun, you push the lever to the right. Then you have to move the lever to the left about 1/2 inch before you attempt to close the barrels. The lever then returns to the correct position. If you close the barrels without moving the lever to the left a little bit the lever will remain to the right and the barrels will not lock shut.