First Krag - 1898 Ceremonial Rifle

[karl schmidt]

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=60187

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[mmppres]

Use it shoot it enjoy unless you want a pretty looking rifle leave it alone an use that extra money for another addition to your safe.

[M2phil]

Bought several chrome M1903's once (one was a MkI), took them to a chrome shop and had the chrome removed for about $75 each. They came out really nice- I had worried that the shop might go overboard, being used to old car bumpers etc., but they knew what they were doing- I parkerized those, but you could do a nice job of bluing yourself for very little money. I've used Radocy Express rust Blue (there are others) on various gun parts and they always turned out nice. Careful metal prep and following the directions is key to a nice result, but it isn't that difficult and is far, far better than "cold" blue (and the stink of Selenium) for both appearance and durability. Krag bolts are finished "in the white" anyway, so you've got that going for you. Best of luck!

[Salt Flat]

I kind of like the antique chrome look-- it's something different. Salt Flat

[browningautorifle]

Make no mistake, I'd have that rifle too...specially since I still have dies and brass...

[mtoms]

Thanks guys - seems the collector consensus here (though far from unanimous)and on the Krag collectors forum is not to mess with the finish.

Also found i guy over there that has agreed to make me a couple of quick loaders for CMP competition.

[browningautorifle]

I'm just floored that it shoots so well for you, after all it's done to date.

[mtoms]

Had an opportunity today to shoot the local vintage benchrest match-10 rounds at 100 meters and 10 at 200.

Shot my old standby first - my SwissIG1911 - 189 5x - not bad but I've certainly done better with that rifle.

Next I shot the Krag- 191 2x this old girl is amazing to have such a rough bore.

[Fred G.]

You really ought to have the rifle cleaned of all plating because it's hideous. It isn't part of its military history. It has the most god awfull deteriorating plated finish that I would never want to have on any rifle I was seen with. It now needs to be Un Fucxed. Seriously, why are you even considering leaving it as it is now. Because some guys say to leave it that way? WTF? Your rifle is an Extremely accurate one and you are obviously a highly competent rifle shot. You owe yourself a fine looking rifle and not one that looks like it's continuing to be seriously neglected. Clean it. Don't worry about your money. It's well spent. If for some reason you don't want to go to the trouble of having it professionally cleaned, then sell it to somebody who will.
Seriously, you'll be happy that you Did bring it back to its respectable appearance.
Good shooting by the way. Really good shooting.

Fred

[mtoms]

I certainly respect and appreciate your opinion Fred, as I do the collectors who counseled leaving it as is.

The finish certainly is not from the rifles military history, but it is part of it's history, and a new finish would not be part of it's military history either - it would just be pretty.

I may take your advice at some point - the cost of refinishing is not an issue for me - but for now I'll just enjoy the old homely girl as she is.

Regards
Marty