For those interested, I found the issue with the locknlube.
The handle hits the nut on the fleixble hose, and doesn't let it open completely. The nut on this hose, which I thought came with the Lincoln grease gun, is 5/8". I'm talking of the outside dimension. What nut size does everyone else have? I think I can spread the coupler handle just a tad. Have not done so yet, since I think I will buy a battery operated grease gun, and will see if I still have the issue with the new one.
The issue of it being so hard to operate the grease gun, was because of the locknlube coupler, attached to a zerk, attached to the old coupler, attached to the zerk on the implement. A lot of small orifices to squeeze the grease through. SO...the handy adapter is handy, but makes for it harder to work the grease gun.
New grease gun probably Dewalt since I have Dewalt tools and batteries with some other things...not because it is necessarily best. Opinions of Dewalt grease gun?