03 Safety Issue

I'm finally to the assembly stage of my first 03 rebuild...and something has me stumped.

I cannot get the safety to engage without a slight pull back on the cocking piece.

My other 03's all work as they should, but admittedly some are a little tougher to engage than others, but none require a manual pull back of the cocking piece.

The distance required is slight, and I'm not pulling it back as far as you would to disassemble the bolt.

I have checked the headspace, and I'm good. I'm only a range shooter, I don't hunt or carry an 03 loaded in the field, and actually can't think of a single time I have used an 03 or 03A3 safety. I do know with 100% certainty I have never used the safety on my 03A4! :lol:

My question is this, are there any other issues at hand that I should be concerned about, or do I just have a stubborn safety?

Thanks,

-Patrick

It isn't that uncommon to have to fit the safety to the striker. You have described such a situation pretty clearly.

fitting a safety is a pain, easier to try another striker,
if you have some to try, its a hit and miss.
striker, sear, and safety should all match..one worn part and it will through it off.