Pre-64 Model 70 safety catch: broken?

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Wardo1974

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Kingston, ON
I recently acquired a 1951 model 70 from a member of the site in very good, barely-used condition.

However, strangely, I only just noticed now that the safety doesn't seem to be working properly. It locks firmly in the "fire" position, and firmly into the "safe, bolt locked" position. However - it won't positively click in the middle, in the position that locks the trigger but allows you to work the bolt.

If I kind of guess and position the safety in the middle, it will work as it should, but there is no "click" for the position. If I'm too far forward or reverse, it doesn't work.

Is there any chance this is some kind of issue where dirt got into the mechanism somehow? I'm a little baffled because the gun is in such nice condition otherwise.
 
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No issue se are like that I have a 300h&h that works the same way I have also handled other model 70's that operate that way and have handled others that are more positive. It's not as simple as replacing the safety lever most of the time u have to change the firing piñata well not easy to find pre 64 firing pins .
 
The middle position safety doesn't have a strong detent because it's in the middle and shouldn't impede releasing the safety when needed. . You need to keep it clean and lubricated but not over lubricated so oil runs all over the place. . .

I make a habit of occassionly dropping one small drop of oil into the safety lever where it enters the sleeve.

If yours hasn't been lubricated for a spell it could be a tad stubborn. . Here's what I would do with a new purchase.

- #### and engage safety to middle postion
- remove bolt
- hold the bolt body with right hand and bolt sleeve with the left
- depress the sleeve lock button with left hand thumb
- turn bolt body counterclockwise and pull firing pin assy from bolt body with left hand

Take the bolt sleeve with firing pin and spring attached and set upright with bolt sleeve in a cup, or small container, of thin oil. . Automatic transmission oil works good. . Leave in there overnight and the next day pull it out and use compressed air to blow out all the oil. . When all the oil is blown out, replace the bolt sleeve back in the bolt and slide the bolt back in the gun. . Work the safety through the positions and that's that. . . OH! . . one very important thing. . don't move the safety off the middle position when the bolt sleeve is out of the bolt. . If it does slip off the detent, you'll need to re-#### it to get it back in the bolt housing. . Not a big deal but easier if you don't have to.

One safety check to do is this; Once you have the bolt re-assembled and the bolt back in the gun. . . After the chamber is proven empty, #### the action and place the safety in the safe postion. . move the safety to the middle postion and pull and release the trigger. . Now, flip the safety to the fire position with your thumb. . If you hear a trigger release click, you may have a serious problem as the trigger may have released from the sear. . I've only had one of these do this and was a gun that some idiot tried to soften up the trigger. . I replaced the trigger and sear and always check a new gun when I first get it. . You never know. . Safety First.
 
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Well, the thing is, my father has a couple of these, and the safeties very firmly snap into position. 1941, 1954. It's different enough that it makes me a little concerned.

There appears to be no risk of a misfire or something with a worn catch (tried the test above). It's just I have concerns about guessing where the safety notch may be.
 
BigUglyMan said:
You can never reiterate correct information too many times. This is the interweb.

Happy now 'looky?
Click to expand...

Yup, but I'm still confused.
Are they suppose to be lazy or firm on the locked trigger/open bolt position?
There is a Stevens 200 here with the same issue.
Real soft on the middle position.
Not the same kritter, but same issue.
 
kamlooky said:
Yup, but I'm still confused.
Are they suppose to be lazy or firm on the locked trigger/open bolt position?
There is a Stevens 200 here with the same issue.
Real soft on the middle position.
Not the same kritter, but same issue.
Click to expand...

I didn't write it in 'looky...

Seffety liver should slippitythrough da middle to bangoposition or stick in locklock. Dunno fer that Steve's rifflygun.
 
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