As part of the re-stocking plan for Dad's old 1903 Springfield, I decided to finally do something about replacing that original safety lever with one more scope-friendly. There is a scarcity of replacement levers on the market so a little searching was in order. The most viable options were the LaPour, the Wisner and the Dayton Traister Mark II. I ruled out the LaPour simply because of the expense and ordered the Wisner which operates like a Winchester Model 70 safety. Upon receiving it, I was struck by the amount of machining and detail required. Not willing to butcher the rifle, I decided to try the Dayton Traister option instead. I also ordered a new bolt shroud to experiment on installing the Wisner at a later date when I have more confidence in the outcome.

The D/T lever operates as a vertical wing safety like the original lever, but only moves through a short arc on the right side of the bolt and only has two positions; Safe and Fire. I read several reviews that bemoaned the fact of difficulty in installation, but I honestly found it to be quite simple. I realize that each rifle may have fitting problems, but I installed this safety in just bout an hour.

Starting with making sure the rifle is empty, remove the bolt and completely disassemble. Make a 1/8" wide clearance cut in the right side of the bolt shroud extending down just far enough to allow full movement of the safety into the "fire" position as shown here:



I accomplished this using a diamond Dremel cutter and finished with a 1911 sight-staking file.

Next, lightly bevel the left side of the cocking engagement cut to allow the safety to cam the cocking piece back about 1/32" when engaged. This took only 3 passes of the file to accomplish.



The results are shown in both the "Fire"



and the "Safe" positions:



Not a tough job, and helps solve part of the scope height problem. When I decide to do the Wisner conversion I'll try to post more detailed instructions.

looks great....having started out with a SMLE I still hunt with half open bolt and very seldom use a safety catch.

Good job SSS...it looks like you have approached this mod in a realistic and methodical way, which in my mind is the best way. As for fitting the Wisner part, I would suggest if the D/T is doing the job to your satisfaction, then I wouldn't fit the other...unless it offers significant advantages over the D/T part.

Elvis...I do the same with all my hunting centrefires mate as they all cock on closing. I always walk around with the bolt handle in the raised position, or in the case of the Mod 94 with the hammer on half cock.

Vince,
If I decide to use the Wisner, it will be when I run out of other projects, which may happen since this is the last of my rifles to re-stock (maybe a reason to start looking for another orphan rifle to adopt ). It's advantage is mostly cosmetic with a slight advantage to use. The Wisner operates exactly like a Winchester Model 70 safety - that is, in a horizontal manner rather than the D/T's vertical. Rather than risking irreparable damage to the original shroud, I purchased another shroud to experiment with. The Wisner requires much more milling as well as very precise drilling and tapping. I learned very early on, to my dismay, that speed makes for a sloppy job. I now try to think any project through and the minute I find myself trying to hurry, I walk away. That has saved me a lot of disasters as well as embarrassment.

Fair call mate...every retired man, or lady Suz, needs a short list of projects to keep him occupied.