Exactly. But instead of messing with the barrel, why not cut/weld the cocking arm instead? I'm sure it'll be more accomodating for a 'not so perfect' job than the barrel.the cocking arm is riveted onto the barrel+block combo. So the rivet will have to be removed to change the cocking arm to one with the correct length. Not hard to do, but will ensure that you cannot keep on swapping between barrel lengths, even if the other dimensions are correct....
@Abhijeet: Can you send me measurements of the barrel and block from the 25? I can compare with my 35.
Another thought was (this is just for the heck of a good project). What if, the barrel could be separated from the block and both the components threaded? A screw on barrel would be cool.
If used with open sights, even if the barrel/block alignment is a li'l off, one can still aim.
Not that the fit of a stock national is something to write home about!
I know this is a lot of trumpeting over a comparatively inferior rifle. But hey, it has to begin somewhere now, init?
Food for thought?