Welcome M9, is the safety on that rifle 2 position or 3 position? I think the 70 was the first with a 3 position safety, of course with the work done on that rifle anything is possible. I've also read that people have installed 70 bolts in 54s. The trigger may also help 54s had a 2 stage trigger, if that hadn't been altered. Good luck in your quest, p;ease let us know what you find.

It's a 3 position safety. Just paddle shaped instead of L shaped. Its obvious the 03 Springfield, the 54 & the 70 all derive from the Mauser. I don't think the safety has been altered, on a target rifle it's considered an unnecessary appendage. The trigger has been replaced with an aftermarket stainless unit, you breathe on that sucker & it fires . Might try adjusting it afterwhile if it's not glued into the stock. I like about 2 or 3 lbs & can live with 4 or 5 lbs. This thing is 2 or 3 ounces. I'm actually quite happy with the stock model 70 trigger, even on a target rifle. But I come from a High Power service rifle shooter background not a benchrest shooter background. If you cut you're teeth on a M14 trigger a stock Model 70 trigger is a dream come true.

I got out of active duty after 10 years myself in 93 as I could no longer tolerate the Clintonistas! I look back now and realize I should have stayed but hindsight is 20/20 as they say. So I fully understand about the Clinton era and what they were doing then.

Ohh man you were over the hump. Should've finished in the reserves or Natl Guard. Yea, hope we never see those days again.

M9Powell wrote:Ohh man you were over the hump. Should've finished in the reserves or Natl Guard. Yea, hope we never see those days again.

I initially went to a reserve Infantry unit, then moved went into a NG trans unit. The NG unit had no discipline and was just all I could handle. Being a grunt for 10 years and the respect and discipline to absolutely none...i went inactive status and did my time.

Yea, it's a lot different in the Guard. But not so bad when you get used to it. One advantage the Guard has is they tend to keep the same people for years and they all get familiar. Despite what it looks like to someone coming in fresh from the regular Army they can be quite competent despite appearances. Served for 28 years, decades in both. That's where the old farts with the most experience end up.

Oh I am not disagreeing with you on the Guard! There were good people and yes like a family. But as I say lack of discipline, leadership as I was accustomed too. Like I say hindsight is 20/20 and many things I would have done differently as well.

On another note. Was in a unit on active duty, 3rd US Infantry The Old Guard at Ft Myers, VS, and until around 1990 we carried in the field, ceremonies, and qualified with the M-14. We did not get M-16s until around 1990 and then they installed A2 hand guards on them to give the appearance of A2s...politics. of course M16s were then field weapon and M-14 became ceremonial only weapon. Triggers were a lot to be desired as you say however you did get used to it and to this day my favorite weapon I carried in and out of the field.