You're right Lancaster, the customers decided they wanted cock-on-opening, so that's the predominant system today (that, and blaze-away-at-everything-that-moves semi-auto.) But it doesn't necessarily follow that that makes it a better system; it's just a matter of individual taste. Remember the saying, "The customer is always right!"? Selfridge, the man who coined that phrase, ended his life broke.

That being said, if there's anyone who could talk me into that system, it would be you, Lancaster. I'm still amazed at that Carcano sporter that you built - my hat's definitely off to you! I'm hoping you're going to keep us updated on how it works out. My interest is not just because it's a excellent piece of gunsmithing; I was planning something similar myself, but in 6.5X55. You've already solved some of the problems I was going to be facing. Anyone ingenious enough to put together a project like that is entitled to use whatever cocking system he likes!