1905 safety question

[rim-fire]

Just picked up a "sporterized" 1905 had to remove the mag. cutoff in order for it to feed,no big deal as I would never use it. It is very accurate but the safety is very hard to engage,What is the proper way to remove it for a good cleaning?Also is it normal for the safety button to spin freely?

Information

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[oldpaul]

Sorry it took so long to answer. To disassemble the safety on the 'button' type MkII 1905. Insert a small pin punch in the hole in the top of the safety (first picture) and push down on the plunger that is beneath it. I like to do this with the button pressed on the edge of a bench to control how fast it comes apart. The MkII handbook says "With a small punch depress the safety catch plunger and while depressed lightly tap off the safety catch by the knob", but I have found that tapping it off will likely ensure the loss of the tiny spring and plunger when the safety comes out. Disassembled, second picture. If you think cleaning will make the safety easier to operate, it can't hurt but in my opinion the safety is poorly designed. In picture three the lower arrow points to the shallow angled part of the safety that pushes against the front of the striker (upper arrow) and moves the striker away from the the sear. There isn't enough mechanical advantage with the small button to make it easier. I would not be comfortable changing this angle or relieving the front of the striker because if you took too much off there is danger the striker engagement might be past the trigger sear and fire inadvertently when the safety was released. As your rifle is already modified perhaps replace the button with something more substantial. The button is a press fit and should not spin freely. Best. Tom

[rim-fire]

Tom
Thanks for the instructions,turns out that the loose button was binding on the bolt. Filed a little off the back of the button and it is working smooth now.

[Surpmil]

The safety button should not spin freely.

One option for a more easily operated safety is to replicate the shaft of the existing safety but extend it out over the bolt handle with a knurled swell or collar on the end. This is more easily pushed and pulled. I have a rifle where this was done by a previous owner. A polished and case hardened shaft would be a good idea if making such. You would want to be careful not to make the tip where it engages in the receiver wall too hard or brittle.

To improve the existing safety examine the hole in the bolt body and if it is rough, polish it smoother. Obviously you have be careful not to make it ovoid or enlarge it, but between polishing the shaft of the safety and the inside walls of the hole, you should be able to make it operate more smoothly.

It may be that when the safety is being engaged the pressure is exerted by the inside face of the button against the rear face of the bolt handle, in which case have a look at the inside face of the button for smoothness.

A bit of grease would help too.