As I think about it more could be easier to have hole in the front with a spring that pushes straight back. From the rear has more chance of impacting the brass flow path
Discussion
Yeah, a captive rod with spring that keeps the pressure on the rod forwards of the travel of the handle but can be pushed back to move the handle. It would keep it out of the way for sure. Just need the rod long and strong enough to hit the full travel of the handle.