Considering a 1970's Mauser American Eagle...

[Vlim]

The binding is relatively normal with this type of blueing and Mauser's approach to not pre-assemble their guns before blueing. The only parts that were matched were the rear toggle and the frame. This was done to prevent the exact situation you describe. It doesn't harm the gun but it will pull the gun slightly to one side causing some inacurracy. Since this was a 'running change' chances are your gun predates that change. My 06/72-something shows slight wear between the front and mid-toggle links, and of course on the receiver/frame rail contact area.

This is a modified grip safety on a bare frame, without the safety catch, but you get the idea. The little pin is the running change that was introduced to hold the new, more ergonomically shaped, grips securely in place. The frame shown is the old style Interarms version without the pin hole for the new grips.