As a user of a 3 lug, I have found that the ones made by BAT are not appriecatibly harder on opening.
Having said that, it did take some time to get the action run in to make only slightly harder opening
then the typical 2 lug. I now operate the bolt opening with one finger. (notice no bias here
The cam roller on the BAT may be the reason for the close to the 2 lug opening performance.
From a manufacturing stand point, not having to do the lug raceways seems like a good deal.
On the other hand, as Rick stated weight is always a concern. When you look at the diameter of
a 3 lug bolt it is noticeably larger, so trading off where one removes the material to keep the weight
down is an area to keep in mind.
As a fan of one piece scope ring (Marv Pearson style) I would be interested in this style of ring if
you are making them for sale. I believe Robert S. is also a fan of them.
If you go forward with this project(s), please keep use informed on this forum.
DanO