Removing old 1899 safety?

[Jack Marvin]

I have a 1908 model 1899f carbine in 30-30. Was in very rough shape. I tore it down, repaired, and cleaned so it is now functioning. The safety is very hard to move (grime and rust?) and the only part I have not been able to remove. The rear of the safety bar slides into a hole in the bottom tang. I see what looks like a slotted screw in rear of the safety. Can anyone tell me if this is a screw that can be removed? I have penetration oiled it but it won’t budge. I don’t want to keep reefing on it if it is not a screw. Any advice would be appreciated.

[StuK]

I have a 1908 model 1899f carbine in 30-30. Was in very rough shape. I tore it down, repaired, and cleaned so it is now functioning. The safety is very hard to move (grime and rust?) and the only part I have not been able to remove. The rear of the safety bar slides into a hole in the bottom tang. I see what looks like a slotted screw in rear of the safety. Can anyone tell me if this is a screw that can be removed? I have penetration oiled it but it won’t budge. I don’t want to keep reefing on it if it is not a screw. Any advice would be appreciated.

The slot you see is not a screw. It’s the end of a split that can be spread or tightened to adjust the ease with which the safety moves. Yo remove the safety by first removing the trigger and lever. You can the slide the safety forward and rotate about a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove it. You should then be able to get things cleaned up and adjust the slot to give the tension you want.

[BillinAR]

I have a 1899a, vintage 1900, with the opposite problem Safety is so worn it will fall out of engagement when turned muzzle up. Hopefully I can tweak it to work properly, as I haven't seen any spares offered for sale. Old girl has seen a lot of use.