If you're shooting a round without much recoil I don't think the lever would be an issue. Otherwise, it would seem one's knuckles are up for a beating. I've been working on stocking a No. 3 I had rebored from .223 to 9.3x62. After getting the new butt fitted I realized my fingers were in for it with any normal load so I cut the tail off the lever, had a guy weld it in place where I wanted it, and then did alot of filing, polishing, and bluing. I need to get this rifle finished, but here's a general idea...

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