Any other rifles like a Krag?

[Paper_Zombie]

I wasn't very interested in these until I picked up a gun magazine today which featured an article on them, and I got to see some detailed pictures of them.

The side-loading magazine really intrigues me, and I happen to find it aesthetically pleasing, actually.

I kind of want one now, though I'm a bit turned off by the 5-round limitation. My question is: Are there any other side-loading rifles similar to the Krag?

Please, try to keep them under $1k

 

[GCBurner]

Krag is the only one of that particular design, but several countries used it, including the USA, Norway, and Denmark. I've never seen one produced for the civilian market, all the sporters seem to be converted military rifles.

 

[natman]

The Krag is pretty much unique and the US and Scandinavian version are pretty much the only ones. You should get one, if only to take it apart an marvel at the quality and quantity of machining that went into making one. It's a far cry from modern guns.

Be aware that they are all at least 110 years old and are not the strongest action. This is not the rifle to try and turn into a magnum.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The single lug bolt is the limiting factor. It is wise to have the bolt inspected for any cracks around the lug. The receiver is not a issue.

The action is glass smooth. The Krag was surplussed in 1922. It may be difficult to find a unmolested example. Many of the CARBINE Krags are actually cut down rifles.

In the 1960's several smiths specialized in rebuilding the Krag. If you find one that looks pristine it's probably a rebuild. Read the Poyer Krag book before spending much money. The Krag collectors forum is also a great source of info.

The Carbine has a 22" barrel and handles nice.


The rifle is 30", add a pig sticker and it's looong.

 

[Malamute]

They are interesting rifles, and reek of history.

Interestingly, I don't recall folks mentioning the "limited capacity" years ago, it seems to be a fairly modern phenomenon. In a world of 20+ magazine capacity arms, 5 rds seems pitifully low, tho at the time, they were standard for military rifles. After a world in which single shots ruled, 5 rds seemed like a great idea, the high capacity gun of the day wa the Lee Enfield at a stunning 10 rds! I guess as to the question of its limited capacity, you'd have to decide what you want the rifle for. 5 rds should be enough for most non-screaming-hoards-of-invaders situations. Shoot well, and you should have 5 down somethings. I'm happy with 5 rds of real rifle class power for most things, tho for largish bears I'd like a little more than the 30-40.

 

[j1]

I never owned or shot one but I did handle one. It had the smoothest action I have ever tried.

 

[krinko]

An 1898 US Krag---



An 1894 Norwegian Krag---



Finding a Krag with a nice bore can be difficult, but the '98 has one and I got into it around $650. The '94 has one too, but these are not generally found ".. under $1k".
I am currently trying to resist the M1901 Krag that has showed up recently---shiney bore, great bluing and oddly enough, it's been duffle cut.
I can hear it whispering now--- "They have lay-away!"..."lay-away"...
-----krinko

 

[Vern Humphrey]

One trick with the Krag is to strip the bolt and soak it in penetrating oil. Then dry the bolt and put it in the oven at very low heat around 200 degrees or so. If the bolt lug is cracked, you'll find penetrating oil seeping out when you take it out of the oven.

 

[M67]

I'm a bit turned off by the 5-round limitation.

That's why American soldiers were outgunned in Cuba, right? The Krag is just too darned slow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhMW_bodQVo

That's the only clip I could find, I have seen that same guy shoot much better on other occasions. This is what it is supposed to look like when the shooter is in the zone, but this one isn't a Krag:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsYpMzuArbc

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Those are Krags modified for clip loading -- which the US tried, but opted to go for a new rimless cartridge and a modified Mauser rifle, instead.

 

[tahunua001]

turned off by a 5 round limitation? lets take a look at all of the vintage military bolt action rifles that have greater than 5 shot capacity...

US model 1917.
Lee Enfield.
NOTHING ELSE!!!!!

only recently did high capacity bolt action rifles become a sought after ticket item.

 

[Bwana John]

My question is: Are there any other side-loading rifles similar to the Krag?

Johnson Automatic Rifle

 

[Paper_Zombie]

turned off by a 5 round limitation? lets take a look at all of the vintage military bolt action rifles that have greater than 5 shot capacity...

US model 1917.
Lee Enfield.
NOTHING ELSE!!!!!

only recently did high capacity bolt action rifles become a sought after ticket item.

I realize that...

I didn't want to start a debate on whether 5-rounds was enough or not...and certainly did not mean to imply that I thought the rifle was "slow"...whatever that means.

I was hoping they'd be a little cheaper than they're turning out to be. Layaway may be an option, but as I've no "modern" rifles atm...I may be tempted to spend my money on a rifle that has guaranteed accuracy out of the box before considering another mil-surp (except maybe another mosin )

I was more interested in learning if there were any other side-loading rifles, as I find the concept attractive.

I appreciate all the information though. I'm definitely going to be keeping my eye out whenever I visit my LGS's.

 

[-v-]

I have had the chance to handle one, and the action is ice-smooth. If thats from design and manufacturing or over 100 years of having the bolt worked I cannot say. Really neat rifle. Looking up some design drawings, its also remarkable in that the magazine system on it is listed as "rotary" and looking at the layout, I can see why..the magazine actually wraps around from the feed gate under the barrel to the other side of the rifle, and feeds from the side of the chamber, not below. Also, I think it should have a magazine cutoff, since the policy back in the earlier days was to shoot rifles in single shot while keeping the magazine "in reserve" for rapid fire when things got dicey.

 

[natman]

I think it should have a magazine cutoff, since the policy back in the earlier days was to shoot rifles in single shot while keeping the magazine "in reserve" for rapid fire when things got dicey.

US Krags do have a magazine cutoff. It's a little lever on the LH side. It's there for exactly the reasons you mention