New Pedersoli 1874....possible issues!

[Whiskey James SASS#85199]

Hey All,

Just picked up my Pedersoli Sharps Hunter from Cabelas. Over all fit and finish is real nice. I'm not familiar with the 1874's so I've got a few concerns.
First, it levers much harder than a buddies Armi. I am putting it at half cock. It seems to be the lever spring. I went to disassemble it and it was extremely difficult to re-asessemble! The lever is not quite aligned with the frame holes and the lever spring is so stiff that it was a workout to push the lever against the spring in order to get the pin through. On top of that, I now noticed some shavings from the lever and spring rubbing! That wasn't happening before I field stripped it. I hope it's not a lemon. The triggers are great and the rest of the gun seems well put together. Does the lever spring need to be adjusted?

I appreciate any input,

Andy

[Kent Shootwell]

Your lever shouldn't be difficult to move, and the finger lever pin should go in with moderate effort with the breech closed. Metal shavings are always a bad sign! Did you have the breech closed when you removed and replaced the finger lever pin?

[Ranch 13]

Sometimes you can loosen the screw that holds the leverspring to the barrel a little bit and take some of the tension off the lever.
  You might try turning the spring over as well.