Need help with Win Mod 94 30/30

[Balddragn]

I was cleaning up my Son-In-Laws 30/30 for my grandson when I noticed the action binding as it went into battery, but only if I was pulling downward on the lever as it closed. I tracked the problem to a slot in the lever that had an oblong end, but I can't tell if this is wear or if it should be this way. Please take a look at the picture and let me know if this is unusual wear.

 

[Onmilo]

It looks worn.
Is this rifle post 64 by any chance?
I am thinking the retaining pin was harder than the lever steel and bumped the notch with heavy use.

You can try stoning the area to remove burrs or I would recommend replacing the Lever.
Gun Parts Inc. has a good chunk of the leftovers from Winchester.
A good place to get a new replacement lever.

 

[Sunray]

Please reduce the size of your pictures. A dial up member will be loading this page until next week.
Win 94's aren't exactly known for having smooth actions. Other than the roughness in the slot it looks ok.
"...pulling downward on the lever..." Whatever for?

 

[Balddragn]

Sorry about the picture size, I should have posed a dial-up warning. I tried to cut it down but it was impossible to get the detail of the slot and it's location on the lever with a smaller picture.

 

[Balddragn]

Is this rifle post 64 by any chance?

Yes it is a post '64 with a serial number of 2,8xx,xxx