The fishtail top lever was a feature used on the hammer guns for a functional purpose of being able to open the gun when it is cocked, or cock the gun when open. This is in most cases at least. The purpose of putting them on the Hammerless models is pretty much unknown. Apart from using up left over parts, or by customer request/demand. However, I am sure that if customers were requesting them, it would be mentioned in the stock books. But there has not been any talk of this.
I personally like the look of the hooked lever on hammerless guns. It adds an additional touch of aesthetic elegance in my opinion.
Another benefit that I, at least, have noticed in the hooked lever is from a point of irgonomics. The hooked lever puts the end closer to a right hand shooters thumb, thus making it easier to reach and easier to open. Since the thumb does not have to travel as far over the top of the receiver as with a straight lever.
This is one benefit or function that I have not heard mentioned too much, just a thought of mine.
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B. Dudley
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