Post by brionic on Sept 4, 2016 23:45:01 GMT -5
For a few years I've been after a sporterized Norwegian Krag. They are far less commonly found than US Krags, and although produced longer, were manufactured in smaller numbers.
My interest was in a remodeled example, as I have no interest in defiling a collector's firearm. Those that I have come across have been either pristine, tricked out target rifles - the Norwegians take it extremely seriously - historically significant examples, or gaudy mid-century homejobs. None was to my liking or my budget.
Last week I zeroed in on one that seemed about right - an 1898 Naval model, mostly original, but with a replacement Bishop stock, a shortened factory barrel, and altered rear sight, at an attractive "sporter" type price. Extreme rarity of Norwegian parts means that fewer weapons are purchased to be "restored", as is common with early US Krags and Springfields.
Yesterday it arrived - in the middle of the hated, SWMBO-mandated yard sale - and boy howdy, am I pleased. First, it's going to require a few tweaks, such as replacement of a missing obsolete trigger guard screw, or possibly two. These are essentially unobtainable, so I bought a die. Also, the rear sight has been altered with a file, tragically, essentially ruining the sight picture, by my way of thinking. I will need to come up with an alternative.
Now the good news - first - 6.5x55. Enough said. second - the machining is incredible. It is far nicer than the US Krags, which slinkier lines and beautiful scalloping and relievings. Even though I'd seen the photos, in person my jaw dropped. It's well executed, with the type of craftsmanship that makes gun kooks do somersaults. Also, the action has been improved. The Norgie version uses a second "lug" in the form of the guide rib, which bears against the action. The bolt handle, gracefully angled slightly rearward, rests deeper in the action than the US version does. The bolt appears optimized for controlled feed. I will have to verify, but the characteristics are present.
The 23" barrel looks great for a 118 year old, the bore is shiny, the grooves distinct. The contour is somewhat fatter than I expected. No problem. A few blasts of Wipe-Out and a solid brushing will follow.
The stock is so-so. Lines are good-ish, but can be improved. The fitting around the magazine side plate is mediocre. Not sloppy, or ill fitted, but rather, almost absent. I was undoubtedly designed for a US Krag which has a different side profile. Mainly, the stock is too thick and will benefit for slimming down. The rifle points a shade left for me unless I really crank my neck to the very center of the stock. So that's on the agenda, too.
The action is typically Krag-smooth, but I'm anxious to get it apart, degreased, thoroughly cleaned, and regreased. It isn't nearly as slick as my worked over US Krag 1896, but then, few are. First things first, though, I am taking it in to the local oldtimer for a headspacing rundown, since I don't own 6.5x55 gauges, a check of the action screw threads, once over on the action, and closer look at the throat and grooves.
I am cautiously optimistic. Pics and more details to follow.
My interest was in a remodeled example, as I have no interest in defiling a collector's firearm. Those that I have come across have been either pristine, tricked out target rifles - the Norwegians take it extremely seriously - historically significant examples, or gaudy mid-century homejobs. None was to my liking or my budget.
Last week I zeroed in on one that seemed about right - an 1898 Naval model, mostly original, but with a replacement Bishop stock, a shortened factory barrel, and altered rear sight, at an attractive "sporter" type price. Extreme rarity of Norwegian parts means that fewer weapons are purchased to be "restored", as is common with early US Krags and Springfields.
Yesterday it arrived - in the middle of the hated, SWMBO-mandated yard sale - and boy howdy, am I pleased. First, it's going to require a few tweaks, such as replacement of a missing obsolete trigger guard screw, or possibly two. These are essentially unobtainable, so I bought a die. Also, the rear sight has been altered with a file, tragically, essentially ruining the sight picture, by my way of thinking. I will need to come up with an alternative.
Now the good news - first - 6.5x55. Enough said. second - the machining is incredible. It is far nicer than the US Krags, which slinkier lines and beautiful scalloping and relievings. Even though I'd seen the photos, in person my jaw dropped. It's well executed, with the type of craftsmanship that makes gun kooks do somersaults. Also, the action has been improved. The Norgie version uses a second "lug" in the form of the guide rib, which bears against the action. The bolt handle, gracefully angled slightly rearward, rests deeper in the action than the US version does. The bolt appears optimized for controlled feed. I will have to verify, but the characteristics are present.
The 23" barrel looks great for a 118 year old, the bore is shiny, the grooves distinct. The contour is somewhat fatter than I expected. No problem. A few blasts of Wipe-Out and a solid brushing will follow.
The stock is so-so. Lines are good-ish, but can be improved. The fitting around the magazine side plate is mediocre. Not sloppy, or ill fitted, but rather, almost absent. I was undoubtedly designed for a US Krag which has a different side profile. Mainly, the stock is too thick and will benefit for slimming down. The rifle points a shade left for me unless I really crank my neck to the very center of the stock. So that's on the agenda, too.
The action is typically Krag-smooth, but I'm anxious to get it apart, degreased, thoroughly cleaned, and regreased. It isn't nearly as slick as my worked over US Krag 1896, but then, few are. First things first, though, I am taking it in to the local oldtimer for a headspacing rundown, since I don't own 6.5x55 gauges, a check of the action screw threads, once over on the action, and closer look at the throat and grooves.
I am cautiously optimistic. Pics and more details to follow.
