p_ham
Well-known member
I've got a soft spot for older rifle designs. I like the new stuff too, but it can be pretty "cookie cutter" today.
One of the actions pretty high up on my "intrigued by" list is the Krag-Jorgensen. A wonderfully odd design that's just about as smooth as you can get. It's far from perfect but it's quirks are quite charming.
The U.S. implemented several models of the Krag starting with the 1892 and ending with the 1899 Carbine.
It saw service in the Boxer Rebellion, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, and was issued to support troops during The Great War. They were also used to aid anti poaching efforts in Yellowstone, as well as fighting the Apache in Mew Mexico.
Chambered in .30 U.S. / U.S. Army / .30 Government / 30-40 Krag, it was the first smokeless cartridge employed by the United States military. It shot a 220gr round nose at approximately 2000fps.
I do a fair amount of work for a LGS here, and am known to take work on trade quite a bit. It's a horrible business model but it's good for my soul.
One such acquisition, if you hadn't guessed yet, was a Krag. This particular rifle had been sporterized (a win in my book) I suspect in the 20's or 30's based on the stock design and parts used. It still sports it's 30" barrel, which has an absolutely spotless bore. A Redfield front blade and a Lyman no.34 rear sight have been installed. The stock appears to have been hand carved. It sports it's military sling swivels. The Jostam recoil pad has all but disintegrated.
By enlarge I won't mess with anything on the rifle. The pad will get replaced with a buffalo horn butt plate, and the barrel band needs refit. Other than that, just a good cleaning and some oil is all the work I'll be doing to it. I'm completely in love with the stock it now wears. It has it's imperfections but it's blemishes are honest, done by a craftsman of decade's past.
I lucked into a partial box of older Core-Lokts and finally took it to the range after owning it for several months. Mild recoil, a bolt that practically cycles itself, and a less-than-inch group at 50yds (while missing the sight's eye cup) left a lasting smile. Here's hoping for a tag this year!
One of the actions pretty high up on my "intrigued by" list is the Krag-Jorgensen. A wonderfully odd design that's just about as smooth as you can get. It's far from perfect but it's quirks are quite charming.
The U.S. implemented several models of the Krag starting with the 1892 and ending with the 1899 Carbine.
It saw service in the Boxer Rebellion, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, and was issued to support troops during The Great War. They were also used to aid anti poaching efforts in Yellowstone, as well as fighting the Apache in Mew Mexico.
Chambered in .30 U.S. / U.S. Army / .30 Government / 30-40 Krag, it was the first smokeless cartridge employed by the United States military. It shot a 220gr round nose at approximately 2000fps.
I do a fair amount of work for a LGS here, and am known to take work on trade quite a bit. It's a horrible business model but it's good for my soul.
One such acquisition, if you hadn't guessed yet, was a Krag. This particular rifle had been sporterized (a win in my book) I suspect in the 20's or 30's based on the stock design and parts used. It still sports it's 30" barrel, which has an absolutely spotless bore. A Redfield front blade and a Lyman no.34 rear sight have been installed. The stock appears to have been hand carved. It sports it's military sling swivels. The Jostam recoil pad has all but disintegrated.
By enlarge I won't mess with anything on the rifle. The pad will get replaced with a buffalo horn butt plate, and the barrel band needs refit. Other than that, just a good cleaning and some oil is all the work I'll be doing to it. I'm completely in love with the stock it now wears. It has it's imperfections but it's blemishes are honest, done by a craftsman of decade's past.
I lucked into a partial box of older Core-Lokts and finally took it to the range after owning it for several months. Mild recoil, a bolt that practically cycles itself, and a less-than-inch group at 50yds (while missing the sight's eye cup) left a lasting smile. Here's hoping for a tag this year!
