WAIT A MINUTE! I never said that if the safety is to the right the gun will fire, I said the trigger will be free to move, but the firing pin should be locked by the safety and shouldn't fall.
IF YOUR RIFLE WILL FIRE WITH THE SAFETY TO THE RIGHT OR IN THE CENTER, IT IS DEFECTIVE. Please have it looked at by a gunsmith before even thinking about loading it.
Iamdug, I am afraid you have very little understanding of how that rifle functions and I strongly suggest you take it to a gunsmith or at least a knowledgeable friend for some instruction before attempting to load and fire it.
Hi, PetahW,
I agree on not pushing the limits on the older rifles, but that minor refinement has nothing to do with strength. I doubt that there were any significant number of firing pin failures; it is more an illustration of how Mauser was determined to make the 1898 the perfect rifle, solving all real and potential problems in one swoop.
Jim