If the bolt does not lock down when the safety is engaged, the Alpha 1 will be nothing more than an another expensive box-stand “hunting” rifle.
I alter the safeties on the old 700's, 721's, & 722's so the safety doesn't lock down the bolt. I do this because I like the safety on and having the bolt operatational.
Exception, I have a couple first & second year 700's that I've not changed as they are usually just in a safe.