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BYF 43 L block safety lever question

USMC_8541

Member
Hello all. Just wanted to get your collective thoughts on this BYF 43 that I recently picked up. It was purchased under the premise of being all matching, but I've had a few people online comment that the safety flag is probably a re-numbered post-war replacement. I was wondering what you guys think of it on the forum and whether It's worth swapping it out for a blank armorer's flag from a collector standpoint. I've seen several other BYF 43's listed online as being matching but with blank safety flags. Any other tidbits of info on the gun are appreciated. The rest of the gun seems to match and the bore is pristine. Thanks in advance...............

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Lovely BYF 43, from my understanding (credit to C&Renal on youtube where I heard this) the model 98 safety are parts that will eventually break. Hence why we see so many rifles with force matched or replaced safety flags. Also seen myself a handful of Gewehr 98 and K98K rifles with broken safety's.
 
A gun is matching or it isn’t. It’s really silly when people consider armory parts “matching” as if they’re magical. They very well may be correct period replacements, but that doesn’t make them match.

Those people need to remember the old saying, even if you’re 90% right, you’re still 100% wrong.

In the case of your rifle, that is completely fine. It’s a very nice rifle to say the least. Put a correct armory safety on it and call it a day.
 
So, an early gun… say a ‘39 came with a numbered rod & band spring. Does a matched example need to have its originally rod? We’re all pretty pleased to have a ‘39 matched, but w/o it’s numbered rod.

Small items (safeties, band springs, firing pins, even a hand guard) are sometimes replaced. Celebrate that the really important aspects (unsanded stock along with a matched SRB (stock, receiver, bolt))… are matched.

PS… if you need/want an armorers safe, send me email…
 

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