A lot of main spring strength built in most English designs. An auto or pump main spring has more frictional and inertial load to overcome to effect a primer hit, yet you can cock an auto hammer with the little finger of your weak hand. Try that with sidelocl or boxlock tumbler for fun! No wonder the cocking effort is so noticeable. Especially when main spring resistance is "enhanced" with the feel of inter part friction.
I came across an interesting solution in a Holland Dominion, a roller bearing in the forend acting on the cocking lever so as to minimise friction and the resulting feel to the hands. It works.
