Raymond,
Since this is a shooter, here is what I have done on some of mine :
1. Do not try to bend the lever...it might break.
Rather :
2. Use a very fine wet-stone and some oil and rub it along the lever's back side that is flat and sits against the side plate. Take a little of metal away at a time and see when there is enough clearance to operate the lever easily. Stop when this happens...
Regards,
Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />