Talk about "Ghosts of Congresses' Past!"
I am stumped by the notion, put forth by several people, that this can't or won't be enforced.
Easiest thing in the world to check. My handy-dandy high-tech plastic protractor says that the lever arc of several originals and reproductions I have tested varies from 79 to 82 degrees. Am I going to call a short-stroke on somebody because their rifle has only 75 degrees of lever arc? Nope.
Am I going to call a short-stroke on somebody whose rifle lever only travels 60 degrees or less? Yep. But that will be immediately visible, even without a protractor.
Ornery, if the short-stroke in your wife's rifle only shortened the throw a half inch, did it really help her any? Shortening the buttstock might have been a better idea. I think it still says something in the By-Laws about NCOWS accomodating people with physical problems. For a person of really small stature, I wouldn't have a problem with a shortened butt (external modification) or even a short-stroke lever throw.
Think this horse is finally dead, boys. Best shovel some dirt over it afore it starts to stink!
Grizzle Bear