build it so it is thumable or you loose the functionality of the conversion. one hand never leaves the rifle, one hand loads. might give some thought to a stock design that compliments the new lever. you can install a bullet trap in it as well.
As a lefty if it aint thumable you might as well leave the original lever. Or am I missing some other advantage (aside from when your prone)?
Stronger extraction appears to be the advantage, though, of course have to take their word for it. I have had sticky shells in the past, though nothing really serious. It would take some experimenting for sure, maybe it can bve done, but just by the nature of it, you're increasing the radius like that, it may be tough. Prone would be nice, but I think even off of a rest or shooting sticks, operating the lever on the side, closer to the centerline with your right hand would be a little less akward than the top. In my mind's warped eye, it may be nicer rotating the lever with your right hand away from you down low, rather than towards you in your line of sight. Maybe not. Again it would be personal preference.
I've read on a few boards of guys coming up with levers and cam mechanisms that #### the hammer at close to the same time as opening the block; now that would be dandy. Much more involved than I aim to get.
The fellow down in the States who was making them has passed away.
I looked into it a few months back and the only gunsmith doing them (that I could uncover ymmv) was sourcing his parts from the deceased. He wasnt able to steer me in a more fruitful direction either.
The examples I found acually had a new block pin with a small square protrusion coming out of the right side, the lever slotted on to that.
Id sure be interested if anyone gets something like this on the go.
Are you referring to the fellow at Lone Star? Yes, he was killed in a shooting accident. Arizona Sharpshooters has a kit, but it ain't worth $400 for a "see how it works"
I had a look and I think a Dixie Gun works generic 2" throw percussion hammer or the like would be a good place to start for a lever, some even have the square shank cast in to them. Either hammer out or, weld on to lengthen the tang and away you go.
Turning a pin with a corresponing square and countersunk for a set screw, then the only issue is securing it to a block- a key or what have you. I think it's worth a try as the parts are just drop in. No reciever mods etc. If it doesn't work out, it's put back as easily as taking it down for a good cleaning. Eyes peeled for a block, don't wanna lunch the original...
