1903 Springfield low scope safety lever

[Basque1]

Gents:
I would like some direction as to where to obtain or what to do to get a 1903 Springfield low scope safety lever. Seems like every source from Numrich Arms to Brownells are all depleted of this part. I don't like the idea of higher scope rings so that is out of the question. I spoke to Williams Sight Co and they are at a loss too. Their gunsmith said that maybe he can do one but the cost is astronomical and tantamount to the price of a new barrel. Checked E-bay and nothing is available. Buheler is no longer in existence and the Mark II type if available is not really reliable. Any thoughts please?
Sincerely
Basque1

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'd buy it today.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/543640

Or; keep an ebey search going. they come up 1-2 times a month but are often the one listed above anyhow.

Todd.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

NECG is my backup for Brownells on this kind of thing, but they just offer the Buehler-style for the Mauser, not the '03. Same goes for Timney. Sorry -- patience, Gunbroker or eBay for now, I suspect.

You could try calling up the CMP Custom Shop and see if they have a used take-off part for an '03 amongst their odds and ends:
(256) 835-8455, ext. 513, 514 or 540

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Put some nice peep-sights on it.

 

[Laphroaig]

I actually made one by grinding the top off of the lever until it fit. One thing that will probably happen is that you will grind into the recess that holds the spring for the detent. I was able to press a bb into the resulting hole and grind it smooth. You can't hardly tell and it hasn't popped out yet. I did have to shorten the spring.

If I had known that they existed, I would have bought one of the factory made ones.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I actually made one by grinding the top off of the lever until it fit. One thing that will probably happen is that you will grind into the recess that holds the spring for the detent. I was able to press a bb into the resulting hole and grind it smooth. You can't hardly tell and it hasn't popped out yet. I did have to shorten the spring.

We evidently think alike! I did this with the military safety on my Mauser scout rifle project gun by just amputating the wide bit on the end of the flag with a Dremel. It worked well, mainly because the cams on that particular safety were smoothly fitted and didn't require the usual leverage to engage with the cocking piece.

I didn't think this idea would work on because of the Springfield's spring (pardon the alliteration), but I stand partly corrected.

 

[Laphroaig]

See post #5. Sorry for the crummy cell phone pics, but my technology is somewhat dated. You can see the outline of the BB on the left hand side of the safety in the bottom picture. A BB is the perfect size for a tight interference fit into the spring hole.