Suggestions for finding obscure Norwegian Krag accessory?
Fellows, I would like to get my gritty little hands on a NorwegianKrag speedloader "tray"...for lack of a more precise term. They appear to be a sort of clamshell shaped affair, made of spring steel that hold 5 rounds, loosely mate into the open loading gate, whereupon the 5 rounds are released into the well by depressing a tab...instantly. Anecdotal tales indicate that they were never used by the military, but common with shooting clubs. i have seen references to the fact that, using one of these enables the Krag to be loaded faster than the Mauser. If I knew the name of the device, I guess I could contact the Norges Skytterborfund. I wonder if there is something like a craigslist in Norway? Any suggestions to assist my search would be greatly welcome. Plus, there's the language thing. My attempts to homebuild something, with nothing more than a glimpse of one on a video, have been unsuccessful thus far. Thanks, Paul
Information
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'Parashooter', who has generously shared his design for use with the .30-40 Krag on a number of web sites, calls them "chargers". This term is well understood, Internationally.
Norwegian author, Karl Egil Hanevik, calls these devices "clips" and "clip-loading devices" in Chapter 6, which he wrote, in Frank Mallory's book, "The Krag Rifle Story", 2nd edition. (The term was likely 'dumbed down' for the North American audience).
In his own Norwegian language book, "Krag-Jorgensen Gevaeret", (page 312), Hanevik calls various 'charger' like devices: "laderamme" (charging-frame) and "patronholder" (cartridge-holder).
Hanevik calls the box-like device, with a sheet-metal release, a "hurtiglader" (quick-charger).
If you were to post on the Gunboards - Scandinavian Mausers and Krag-Jorgensen rifles Forum and asked about Norwegian Krag 'cartridge-holders' or 'quick-chargers', I am sure you would get help. The Scandinavian members are multi-lingual and generous with help.
Last edited by butlersrangers; 11-25-2020 at 05:31 PM.
Holy smoke, as usual, I was overthinking, trying to over-engineer the design...the video I originally saw was a different style, still a box but the rounds were almost totally enclosed but using a release tab and spring tension to retain the 5 rounds. As well developed as target shooting is in Norway, I would imagine there are several better mousetraps. I will go with the Parashooter design adapted to 6.5 dimensions.
"Hurtiglader"...quick charger, perfect description. I have a cousin back in the old country, maybe I'll see if I can get her interested in chasing down a store bought version, more for a collecting oddity than anything i need.
Thanks so much fellows, my computer skills are beyond pathetic, just knowing what search terms to use are a huge help. Have a good Thanksgiving guys.
Type ................................Quick Charger
Manufacturer ........................Several different?
Constructor .....................Andersen and Braathen
Customer ..............................Civilians
Model ..............................Andersen and Braathen
Production Period ..........1920 - ?
Quantity produced ................Unknown
Serial number ....................No
Description
There are a number of cartridge holders and chargers developed for the Krag-Jorgensen rifle. That with the highest prevalence was invented by two employees at Kongsberg Weapon Factory: Andersen and Braathen. Quick charger was patented in 1921, with patent number 42331 and came into use shortly after.
Quick charger works by a spring which pushes the cartridges into the magazine. The cartridges are triggered by pressing the big black spring on the outside. The charger, which takes 5 cartridges, is very reliable, but was never used in the Army. However, it was very popular with civilian shooters. Many fast chargers of this type were manufactured and sold.
Marking
The charger mav be marked "ANDERSEN & BRAATHEN Kongsberg" and "PAT NO 42331". There are at least two variants of labeling. See the pictures. Other chargers have no marking.
Last edited by Parashooter; 12-09-2020 at 12:58 PM.