My 1894 has a slight hangup/catch when I start to open the lever.Very minor hesitation then works fine. Anyone else have this happen? What's the fix.

There is no fix as there isn't anything wrong. The lever is held closed by a spring loaded plunger that engages a pin in the trigger plate. It will smooth up some over time and use.

AlK8944,
Thanks for the info.Guess I'll just have to shoot it more!

I picked up my 1894 44 over the Holidays. Made in 1976.

It hadn't been shot much, but was pretty dirty.

Mine had a little more than a light hang up and it had to almost be forced to open.

I removed the plunger from the lever and cleaned everything with break cleaner.

Now it's nice and smooth again.