Shooter - I don't know how you could do that. The far end of the Winchester lever impacts a safety button that won't allow the rifle to fire unless it is depressed by the lever being closed all the way. You would have to add metal to the lever to enlarge it and still have that part of the lever necessary for deactivating the safety. I would think something like that, including the finish work and the bluing to run you right around $100. You might be better off with a new lever. However, if they go for over $100 on e-bay, you may wish to contact Browning-Winchester (in Mo., I think) and find out what an original costs - may not cost that much. HTH. Mikey.