Marlin 1894 hard to lever

[LostVaquero]

I got a 1894 Cowboy Limited 24" barrel appears to be hardly used but when I went to lever it it seemed that the lever did not want to move easily to start with and then was fine through the rest of the stroke. 

Should I just sell this gun and run away or is it fixable. 

I have tired other 1894s and they seem a lot easier then this job.

[Kent Shootwell]

The Marlin lever latch plunger can be a bit over sprung and or the tip of the plunger may need a tiny bit of reshaping. Try a dab of grease on it and if that helps at all then that indicates there is the problem. It's an easy matter to remove the plunger and polish it.

[Coffinmaker]

Lemmie wade in here.  I Know, I know ...... ask ME .... ask ME !!!!!

Posted above.  The Lever Latch Plunger in Marlin rifles is better served to retain the door to a Bank Vault.  The Main Spring is too heavy, and the 3 piece firing pin assembly is a groan.  You can easily make the rifle smoother, lighter to operate and improve ignition by acquiring a Marlin "kit." 
Most Marlin "One Piece Firing Pin" kits contain the Firing Pin, A Main Spring and the Lever Latch Plunger spring.  The plunger is usually a little rough and benefit from a little polishing and then change out the spring.  The Main Spring is self explanatory.  The kit will have instructions for the install, and when your done, you have the OEM firing pin parts and an extra roll pin left over.  Your rifle will be much much much more user friendly.

Coffinmaker