Krag Barrel

[JOEZ]

It breaks my heart to do this, but I must replace the barrel on my 1898. Does anyone make a new replacement barrel or am I whistling in the wind? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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[andiarisaka]

For awhile Numrich was selling replacements, however, I've read there were some problems with indexing, and they are now out. One might find one off gunbroker or auction arms, but you're taking some chances as a lot of seller's descriptions leave a lot to be desired. For instance I bought one off gunbroker described as frosted in the grooves, light pitting would have been a better phrase to use. Having one turned would be a costly proposition, most standard blanks arent' long enough. those that are would have to be turned, threaded to fit the receiver, then the sight holes would have to be threaded. The rear sight holes are an odd thread, actually metric, 4x1.0 pitch and now the standard pitch for a 4mm screw is .7. I almost forgot, you'd also have to attach the front sight. You'd probably be better off to by another one with a good barrel! One might check with Douglas or some of the other barrel makers though. If you're going to get one, get some extras made for the rest of us!

[5MadFarmers]

http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=76017

[andiarisaka]

Way to go 5! I wonder how many emails the CMP would have to receive before they decided it was time to pull that manufacturer's chain!

[5MadFarmers]

Just pointing out the link, didn't have anything to do with it. I'm not one of the posters in that thread.

Given the rifles they sent, and their volume, I'm not real surprised. They've had barrels made for other guns and, while they don't do the same volume in Krags, I think the demand is there.

The other barrels they had made were made by Criterion. I think I might be able to guess the maker of these....

The question remains on whether they'll braze the correct front sight post on those barrels. That isn't something I'd think most people would care to attempt; count me among them.

[andiarisaka]

Criterion is an offshoot of Kreiger. They'd need a non-standard tap for the rear sight screw holes too, not a problem for people used to dealing in machine tools. I tried to add to the post, but you have to be approved first. I'll certainly keep an eye on the thread, tired of buying .303 British bullets and sizing my cast bullets oversized for my .310 groove diameter barrels. The KCA forum is back up, I stop by so little I didn't even know it was down.

[5MadFarmers]

Criterion is an offshoot of Kreiger.

They built a new Cabelas over there a couple of years ago. Picked up a nice trapdoor there. Strange how Kreiger, Obermeyer, and Badger barrels are centered that close to each other. Drove over near there for a Krag last spring just to find it was pulled from the auction before it started - apparently the VFW wasn't big on their guns being sold at member estate sales.

They'd need a non-standard tap for the rear sight screw holes too, not a problem for people used to dealing in machine tools.

Maybe not - depends on their expectations. They could use a standard tap and simply provide two screws with the new barrel I'd think. At first blush, collectors wouldn't be happy but then again collectors won't be after those barrels. More of a shooter's thing? I suspect the CMP will have little difficultly selling them either way. Maybe it's time to get a vice and wrench. Then I'd have to get a reamer. Then I'd have to figure out how to use them. I think I'll pass on the barrels.

I tried to add to the post, but you have to be approved first. I'll certainly keep an eye on the thread, tired of buying .303 British bullets and sizing my cast bullets oversized for my .310 groove diameter barrels.

I troll Orest's forum as he's the town crier for the sales. A post near that one provided the date to send in my Bavarian lotto ticket.

Sadly I've just not been shooting this year. When I do I rarely take Krags due to the ammo costs. "Convenience and cost" dictate .30-06 and Swede. That'll dry up soon too. We'll all be shooting black rifles mayhap.

The KCA forum is back up, I stop by so little I didn't even know it was down.

Nice people. Hope it works out for them.

Cheers.