How much would I expect to pay to have a Winchester M70-style three position safety installed on a Mauser action such as an FN or CZ?

Thanks, RS

I have two so equipped, but it has been a while since I did one. Whatever the cost this is a neccesary and much preffered upgrade in my view, I think it will run you about $150-250 depending on WHICH 3 position safety is used (Gentry, LaPour, NECG, Brownells) and what your gunsmith charges for the install. My CZ550 MAgnum has an Ed LaPour unit that he installed and my FN has a Gentry installed by Jim rector of LaGrande Oregon.

You can pick up a Chapman or Wisner that require a little extra machining that will cost you around $30 plus an hour or so of your smith's time. The guy who does my work would probably charge around 75 bucks plus parts.

Any preference in the aforementioned safeties? The action in question is an FN (JC Higgins).

I've had good luck with NECG in the past, but haven't used their safeties.

thx

I run 2 position side swing safeties on 98's, not sure what the bloody attraction to 3 position is.

If You are intent on the three position ones, steer clear of the Gentry and Dakota. They have timing problems and are a bear to install. I offer the two postion ones for $105.

Jim

I prefer a three position safety that locks the bolt, allows a hot chamber to to unloaded on safe along with testing ammo on safe. The M70 design that also controls the firing pin is superior to just a trigger safety.

The old style safety thats only two position that many mauser sporters came with like the Higgins are difficult to work by a right hander, click with noise when let off with just the thumb and of course don't control anything unloading a hot chamber.

I have had some 'mausers' converted to the M70 style three position. They are Dakotas. They work well but not as smooth as a Kimbers. My local smith installed them. Sure it costs some but it brings a nice rifle up to speed.

A two position side swing safety locks the bolt, but you can't work the action with the safety on. Don't see that as any big issue.

I've used most of them. Once installed there is very little difference in any of the 3-postion safeties other than looks. The installation is the determining factor as to how smooth it is. Most gunsmiths charge between $75-$100 to install one. As to which one to buy. My advice is to find a gunsmith first, then buy the safety he recommends. Some Smiths prefer to work with a particular brand more than others.

I've had more Dakota safeties installed than any other brand and have been very happy with them. The one Gentry I own has been perfect from day one. Gentry will also install what they sell.

I think the nicest looking one I've ever used was a Stuart Satterlee model. It holds the original lines of the M98 bolt shroud but still has a nice custom look to it.


Terry

And it locks the firing pin as well!

When I unload a chamber that has a live round in it I prefer a M70 type safety. To each his own.

True my double barrel shotguns, 99's nor the falling block rifles have it. I just like the M70 design and the Kimber has the smoothest version.