OT: Krag Rifles

[brokenhand]

I have found an 1899 model locally. The price seems right. I have owned and shot may old Colts and Winchesters but I have never owned a bolt action. Looking for input on what to look for and any comments
Thanks
Jim

[2ndovc]

Great rifles.

After you shoot one it's easy to see why so many of them were
sporterized. Super accurate and that action is smooth as glass!

I picked up one complete with bayonet from a friends father years ago
and it would be one of the last ones I'd ever part with.

jb

[O.S.O.K.]

You don't mention condition - if it's completely stock, it's worth a lot more than if it's been modified/sporterized. A sporterized Krag is maybe a $300 rifle - depends on how much you like it for what it is - but its not considered a collectible by most people.

A stock Krag is another thing - they go for $700 on up depending on the condition - basically the same things you look at with any bolt gun. The bore should be strong and brite but a "dark" bore can shoot vere well too - as long as it's not pitted. The stock should fit tightly and not be loose, the magazine box should snap closed and stay tightly shut - the magazine has a follower that closes on the rounds and pushes them right to left under and around the action to feed in the left side of the receiver. There is a lever on the left that stops prevents the rounds from feeding - or allows them to feed depending on its position.

An original sling, bayonet are big pluses and add a lot of value - especially the bayo which can sell for $300 or more easily all by itself.

Go here and read-up - it will answer a lot of questions! http://www.surplusrifle.com/uskragrifle/index.asp

[Charles]

You won't fine many, if any, riflemen who have bad things to say about the Krag rifle. They have their quirks and in some ways are special needs children, but they are fine rifles. I have two and am in the process (if I get my round tuit) of building a third around a rebarreld (03A3 bbl.) 1901 Krag action. The Krag rifle is so slick and smooth as to make you think it is running on ball bearings. That ugly magazine is not particular. Just open it up and dump in the extra rounds and they will sort themselves out to feed right. It is nice to be able to load or unload the magaine without opening the bolt.

There are a couple of things to know about these rifles.

1. The barrel groove diameters are all over the place running from .308 to .316. If you have a big one, cast bullets are your answer.
2. Some of these rifles will exhibit cracking where the single locking lug meets the bolt body. Not a good thing!
3. Quite often the barrels of the old war horses are heavly fouled with bullet metal and powder trash in layers and layers. They can be cleaned down to the steel but it can be a week long project. Sweets 7.62 is you friend.

Be very careful as most riflemen find it impossible to own just one Krag rifle. I know I can't. You have a rifle that not only has history and character, but is a fine shooter as well when fed the right ammo.

[brokenhand]

Thanks for the input. The bore is bright and shiney. I will have to go back and check out the bolt area.
Jim

[Ray Newman]

See also:

www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/

[don Tomás]

That's great! Here's another site to check out:

Krag Rifle Collectors Forum