Dan,

I took your advice and removed metal from the tail piece to match the original and then took a bit more off since the original was bent, too. I left the slight bend in the new lever thinking if I went too far straightening it would save my butt. I think I have it fitted now so that it cocks just as the limit of travel is reached. The opening/cocking seems noticeably easier and smoother now.

Thanks for the tip.

Phil