03 Springfield safety

[holdover]

I have been collecting and shooting 03s for over 50 years. Today it was cold and windy so I spent some time working on my M2 bolt collection. I convert 03 drill rifles to 22 cal rimfire and am always buying parts for the conversion on gunbroker and ebay. While assembling some bolts I came across a safety that is the complete reverse of a standard 03 safety. The usual safety is off to the left and on to the right, this one is the complete reverse. It works the same as a standard safety but in the opposite direction. Has anyone seen something like this before?

[danco101]

This is a safety usually found on National Match 03's, I do not know why the reverse safety was ever instituted, perhaps some learned followers can educate us both! I have 7 rifles with this safety feature, so its not RARE! just uncommon.

[Parashooter]

The purpose was to help stock-crawlers avoid being bashed in the nose during recoil.

[Cosine26]

The reversed safety was developed by K.K.V. Casey , a renowned high power shooter. He was a "stock crawler" and with the "S" stock , one was often hit by the safety-not a pleasant experience I can tell yo9u from personnel experience. I believe that it was authorized in 1921 and was on NM M1903's until 1931. In 1931 the standard safety was authorized for the NM rifle, but the NM M1903 could be ordered -if available.
FWIW

[louis]

Holdover check your mail I just sent you a pm

[robh5]

The purpose was to help stock-crawlers avoid being bashed in the nose during recoil.

OK, dumb question, what's a "stock-crawler"? Thanks.

[togor]

Not necessarily a stock crawler, but good to know there is some perk to shooting left-handed.

[Parashooter]

OK . . . what's a "stock-crawler"?

It's a rifleman who positions face close to back end of bolt - not uncommon in prone or sitting with tight sling and the stubby little "S" stock.

[psteinmayer]

Funny thing for me is I always wrap my thumb around the stock close to the back of the bolt, and I nail myself in the nose with my thumbnail...LOL. After the first shot, I usually reposition my thumb!