I would agree that the lock time is "glacial", however I must qualify that by saying it would be the same as a standard 1903 Springfield, since the firing train mechanism for this sight setup and that of the standard rifle are unchanged. The Howe-Whelen parts do not include a cocking piece or any other firing train parts. It is only a modification to the bolt sleeve/shield.
On the other hand, the other sight pictures, shown above, of the sight mounted to the back of the cocking piece will definitely show a decline in lock time because of the added weight in the firing train.
