I have only had the privilege to shoot one that was converted to 9.3x74. I don't recall it being too stiff, but it wasn't new by any stretch! I'm guessing that HRH's rifle hasn't been shot too much... but cock on closing is always stiffer. I expect you were handling that rifle pretty delicately!

Perhaps we are too gentle handling rifles and guns sometimes - I was always taught to gently bring the stock up holding the barrels relatively still when closing the action, and always catch/guide the toplever with the thumb! You see people now jerking the barrels up and slamming actions shut with the toplever left to its own devices. Not for me though...

Are you having a round action built? I don't know what action modifications they incorporate but I imagine they will be pretty robust and tough. I'm looking forward to the pics!

I think I need to hear the WR story too