The J-spring is notorious for being distorted when someone tries to reassemble a gun that isn't cocked.

I can't tell from your photos if that is the issue, but it can be easily resolved by pulling the J-spring and "gently" tapping it back to shape. You can get more info on it at the LC Smith collectors site.

If it is the spring, then it is an easy fix. Best of luck to you.

Rob.