'Hamish' - Welcome to the KCA Forum. A photograph of your problem safety would allow an easier and better analysis of what is amiss.

I assume you have a U.S. model 1896 or model 1898 Krag.

The likely problem is either:

1. Somehow the shaft on your safety-lever has rotated in relation to the lever. (Out of 'time', as you say). I don't know if that is possible. I've never seen it happen.

2. The part has been altered or someone has rigged up a 'non-Krag' replacement safety-lever.

It is easiest to assess the problem by disassembling the bolt and viewing the alignment of the tip, of the safety-lever shaft, as it is rotated in its place on the bolt-collar.

Photos: 1. Safety-Lever showing orientation of shaft. 2. Bolt-collar with safety in 'off' or 'Fire' position. (Tip is recessed in a niche). 3. Bolt-collar with safety in 'On' or 'Safe' position. (Tip is visible and would lock into a notch on bolt-body, to prevent bolt from being opened). 

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