Remington 121 extraction problem

[rssz71]

I acquired a low s.n, Model 121 in very good condition but there is problem with extraction. After firing a round, the action unlocks but a lot of force is needed when starting to pull the slide back, even having to bump the butt on the floor while pulling the slide.. It will eject a live or spent round fine with the rifle cocked and not fired. Live or spent rounds slide in and out of the chamber without sticking. It feels like there is a catch just at the point when the slide starts to be pulled back.
Any help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Rob

 

[wiscoaster]

Action operates smoothly with the hammer cocked, but binds with the hammer down? Do I understand that correctly? Might try polishing and lightly lubricating the top of the hammer where you see it's been contacting and shows wear. Not familiar with this particular gun, so I don't know how much disassembly is required or if you're comfortable with doing that. But that's a common problem and a common solution to that problem, so if you can get at the internals easily that's the first thing I'd try.

 

[entropy]

Not that hard to get at the hammer on a 121. It's also possible that the mainspring rod is bent, another common problem with .22's with such a system.