If the rifle has been cocked and the switch is in the down position like in the picture, the rifle is ready to fire. If flipped up, it isn't. I didn't know the name of the safety, but the blue kind of told me it was an add on.
But the other question is: Did FN drill and tap for scope mounts? I see lots of these rifles with scopes and I'm sure hunting was the main purpose of them. Did FN figure this into their plan? In the rear right side of the receiver(in the picture) there are holes for a Williams peep sight. I don't recall the exact name of that sight. So, did they figure, that's plenty; If someone wants a scope then the buyer had to get it done.
All of my Mausers flip to the left to fire, yours flips to the right. I do not have a Mauser that flips to the right to fire, if it did you safety would have to stand straight up to set safety. I have to go see a doctor, I do not know which one but it seems everything has run together.

F. Guffey