Just a bit differing "Safety era" understanding to my knowledge. But wider moment, taking from the top. The "Trapper" of pre WWII era presented a carbine with shorter than otherwise "standard barrel" of several lengths. The National Firearms Act came along and prohibited less than 18" until Amended at urging of Importers citing impediment to such as Swede Model 94 and Argentine 1909 models of fractionally less length. Whence the law was amended for rifles to minimum of 16". There have other ways/means to skirt the 16".
To my knowledge the first Post WWII Trapper length barrel '94 was intro'd with the "Legendary Lawman Commemorative" of 1977. In '81-2, a last hurrah of "Winchester Olin" the unadorned '94 Model were offered as "Trapper" name model. In '82, added a lightly engraved large loop lever "Wrangler". The "torch was passed" to USRA in '82 and the 16" barrel models ended quietly expired! All Win-Olin production 16" barrels, thus were pre angle-eject and pre external safety.
I appreciate the purity of original, historic '94 styling. Scope on a 94 I realize is popular, but to me belies the classic function and aesthetics and especially so on a short barrel rifle. I've never liked the external safeties on such lever guns, '94 or comparable Marlin levers. I don't condemn those who desire/need such.
In contradiction to the above Post, I 'believe' the cross bolt safety antedated the sliding tang safety and all such 'sliders' were intro'd under Miroku, Japan actual manufacture. To me both gurmblingly "acceptable" and easier to conceal via tang sights, if those presenting their own inconvenience!
I have examples of the Lawman, Trapper and Wrangler carbines and of a Win Model '86 45/70 with sliding safety from about 2012 and unadorned Browning 1886 Carbine of '91 vintage in 45/70. That Browning reflecting the epitome of great classic fashioned lever rifle of modern steels and and quality Mfg!
So, my "hands on" experience with some few species described! Pix du Jour!
Best!
John