FREI translates as FREELY but must mean FIRE, meaning when the lever is pointing down and FREI is exposed, the gun will fire. If the gun is cocked it takes some effort to move it to the horizontal position, covering the FREI and putting it on SAFE. Abe Chaber told me that's because it is lifting all three of the hammers and blocking them. After firing, when the gun is decocked the lever is very easy to move to the horizontal position.
I believe Kreighoff currently has a much improved version, the Combi Cocking device which allows you to choose whether, after reloading, you want the gun to be in the FIRE position or SAFE.
Anytime the lever is in the horizontal, SAFE position, as soon as the gun is opened the lever will drop, exposing the FREI, and when the gun is closed it is ready to fire. Sort of a "reverse" automatic safety.
Dropping the lever to fire the gun is not too quiet a maneuver, easier to carry the gun loaded, cocked and open.
The Bob Jones gun looks as though it may be the same set up but on the other side which may be better for a right hander. The effort needed to move the gun off SAFE is enough that you must use your thumb. My gun may have been built for a lefty. I can carry it with my right thumb across the top of the action and work the lever but I think these guns were made to only have the safety on when absolutely necessary.
Rob
