Feeding the Krag

[butlersrangers]

Range of motion of follower/carrier-arm and spring strength and action are easily checked.

The curved flat spring puts tension on the magazine-gate, as well as, powers the carrier-arm by bearing on its cam. The magazine-gate works firmly. The carrier-arm requires only moderate spring tension, but, should move and compress smoothly.

Compare your assembly with posted photos. Follower and tip of carrier should be shaped and project as the ones in photo. The tip of the carrier plays a significant role in lifting and feeding the last cartridge in the magazine. (The 'earlier' cartridges ride on the cartridge behind them).

Photo shows an original .30 U.S. Army 'last round' in magazine.

Attachment 94538

[Dick Hosmer]

I think the key is that the "final push" on a round varies. The first four are being "pushed" by a cartridge - which is not exactly the same shape as the follower. The fifth round is located solely by the follower which must present a slightly different line of contact to the round about to be chambered. This could/would present enough of a different 'tilt' to cause the "different than designed for" bullet shape to come into play. The difference must be very slight because some rifles feed 180gr. bullets and others don't. The army didn't care, because the round the gun was designed for fed flawlessly - barring damaged parts. Off the bench, you can single load. In normal hunting, you should be fine, as the deer is supposed to be down within four shots (chuckle!) but if hunting something dangerous (feral hogs for example) you'd want to be sure that EVERY round will feed EVERY time.

[boomer656]

I think the key is that the "final push" on a round varies. The first four are being "pushed" by a cartridge - which is not exactly the same shape as the follower. The fifth round is located solely by the follower which must present a slightly different line of contact to the round about to be chambered. This could/would present enough of a different 'tilt' to cause the "different than designed for" bullet shape to come into play. The difference must be very slight because some rifles feed 180gr. bullets and others don't. The army didn't care, because the round the gun was designed for fed flawlessly - barring damaged parts. Off the bench, you can single load. In normal hunting, you should be fine, as the deer is supposed to be down within four shots (chuckle!) but if hunting something dangerous (feral hogs for example) you'd want to be sure that EVERY round will feed EVERY time.

Exactly right!!
In my case I will be using this rifle to hunt the ever dangerous paper target.

[butlersrangers]

Paper-Cuts are scary!

[boomer656]

I received a spring and side plate, courtesy of rcathey, today. There was an obvious difference between the spring that I received and the one that I had been using (I couldn't detect any difference other than cosmetics in the side plates).

Attachment 94550

The spring rcathey sent is on top. You can see the right end of the spring has a different profile. The spring also measures .1mm longer. My guess is they started out the same 120 years ago, and the one in my 98 has had a bit more wear.

Anyway, after installing the replacement spring, the last cartridge in the magazine now loads as you would expect. Problem solved. Thank you rcathey for the materials.

[rcathey]

Hell yeah!
That’s what it’s all about!!
Very happy to hear.

[butlersrangers]

Now we can focus on paper and staple cuts!

[boomer656]

Now we can focus on paper and staple cuts!

Staple guns .... for the home and range.