Old Iron

[44hunter45]

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!

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Nice Paul!
I've always loved the way you can "top up" the magazine on these.

One of my dad's hunting buddies used his Krag for everything. Carried it as his saddle gun with the US Govt issue saddle scabbard. Like many of those old timers, he was wicked on moving game with it.

I will save my small pile of brass for you.

 

[44hunter45]

I picked up an old model 94 a while back. Just handling this rifle feels nice. It seems like you can almost feel the original owners thoughts. View attachment 323063View attachment 323064View attachment 323065View attachment 323066

That's a great lowish serial number. I have S/N 828XXX. Manufactured January of 1916.

If you reach out to the Winchester Museum in Cody they can tell you the date of manufacture. If you send them pictures, the curators will tell you how many were made in that configuration, etc.

 

[p_ham]

Nice Paul!
I've always loved the way you can "top up" the magazine on these.

One of my dad's hunting buddies used his Krag for everything. Carried it as his saddle gun with the US Govt issue saddle scabbard. Like many of those old timers, he was wicked on moving game with it.

I will save my small pile of brass for you.

The ability to top off the magazine without opening the action was one of the deciding factors for its adoption, and downfall. The Mauser was shown to be superior with its ability to load from stripper clips during the Spanish-American War.

I appreciate any brass you're willing to part with, that stuff is hard to find.

 

[BrentD]

The ability to top off the magazine without opening the action was one of the deciding factors for its adoption, and downfall. The Mauser was shown to be superior with its ability to load from stripper clips during the Spanish-American War.

I appreciate any brass you're willing to part with, that stuff is hard to find.

I believe I have seen video of a Norski using stripper clips in a speed match with a Krag. He was very good too. Norwegians know how to hold shooting matches. Really interesting stuff.

 

[p_ham]

I believe I have seen video of a Norski using stripper clips in a speed match with a Krag. He was very good too. Norwegians know how to hold shooting matches. Really interesting stuff.

I think US Ord. tested those clips in 1902-03 but they were already looking to replace the rifle at that point. There was also a self-contained speed loader invented but I'm not sure when that came about.

 

[BrentD]

I think US Ord. tested those clips in 1902-03 but they were already looking to replace the rifle at that point. There was also a self-contained speed loader invented but I'm not sure when that came about.

Check out this video. One example is at the 11:30 mark but there are others in the video I believe. There are quite a few of these videos, and they are remarkable in so many ways.

 

[p_ham]

Check out this video. One example is at the 11:30 mark but there are others in the video I believe. There are quite a few of these videos, and they are remarkable in so many ways.

I believe that to be this style.

Pretty impressive rifle skills in your video.

 

[BrentD]

Indeed. Anyone that considers himself a rifleman can watch those without understanding a word of Norsk. There are multiple formats for the matches but all are well attended by fans as well as shooters. And Krags go up against more modern bolts and even autoloaders and hold their own.

Not hard to see why the Norwegians do so well in biathlon. They are really well schooled and disciplined shooters.

 

[turbobrick]

What about the lettering?!

Looks like a Lorcin 32 and a QSZ-92 had a baby.

 

[BrentD]

Looks like a Lorcin 32 and a QSZ-92 had a baby.

What does that translate to in English?

 

[Dave N]

What does that translate to in English?

Mutt.

 

[p_ham]

Indeed. Anyone that considers himself a rifleman can watch those without understanding a word of Norsk. There are multiple formats for the matches but all are well attended by fans as well as shooters. And Krags go up against more modern bolts and even autoloaders and hold their own.

Not hard to see why the Norwegians do so well in biathlon. They are really well schooled and disciplined shooters.

I put those shooting matches on as background noise in my shop tonight. Nothing like the soothing sounds of rifle fire!

 

[turbobrick]

What does that translate to in English?

Translates to me teasing Paul about his beautiful rifle and poking fun at some inane comments that popped up here before.