Choosing a Krag model

[mgr]

Hello MGR! I like the Norwegian Krag - it is I think a stronger action than the US Krag because of improved metallurgy (on newer rifles at least) and because the locking lug and bolt rib both bear on the receiver when the action is closed. For hunting, you do not need a perfect military rifle - in fact, one that has been butchered may be a better choice. What you do not want is noisy stock hardware, such as the "saddle ring" found on older carbines.

My dream Krag would be one of the late model guns made in 8x57, but really the 30-40 with heavy bullets is just fine for American elk in the mountains, where 60 meters is a long shot. Your elk (our moose) are a lot easier to kill than the American elk or Wapiti. They give it up pretty easy so the 6.5 should be just fine.

Good luck!

jn

Thank for the reply Jon. Yes, quite a lot of the Krags over here have been used for hunting, some sporterised, some original. Others have been converted to match rifles. One can find all kinds over here. Although I see these old rifles are not popular anymore; the younger hunters / shooters go for the modern high-tech guns. And hunting without a scope seems to be unheard of now. So the Krag price are at the bottom of the scale over here.

All Norwegian Krags seems to be in 6.5x55, and made by Kongsberg. Yes, quite a lot of elk (moose) over here have fallen for these. Once a very popular and accurate caliber and rifle.

An interesting anecdote about the metalurgy in Krags: I read in a book about the Kongsberg weapon factory that during the mid- to late 1800's the factory workers were encouraged to bring with them old leather goods like worn-out shoes, belts and the like, for use in the hardening process of rifle parts . The leather was packed inside airtight boxes together with the steel parts and heated to the prescribed temperature and time, so obtaining a hardened shell. Of course the result depended heavily on the experience of the specialist workers involved, and perhaps on the quality of the shoes .