Krag--what do I have

[gunsaholic]

Hi all. I just acquired this Norwegian Krag rifle and not exactly sure if it's what I was told it was or if it has been put together from pieces or just had some parts changed in its life. I was told it is an 1895 carbine. It is chambered for 6.5x55. The barrel is 20.5 inches long and has a short handguard. The receiver has 2 numbers on it on the side back by the bolt. They are 1003 and 1899. The bolt also has 1899 on it. There are no other numbers on the bolt except C1. I figured maybe 1899 is the year it was made but if so, shouldn't there be a serial number of 1003 on the bolt? The front sight has 1003 stamped on it, same as the action. The barrel band number is 3841 and the trigger guard has 7559 on it so those 2 items don't match the gun. So I'm not exactly sure if this is indeed an 1895 carbine or what? Also, is the serial nmber in range for an 1895 carbine?

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[browningautorifle]

You're lucky for that one to have fallen into hand. 6.5X55 is about the perfect choice for Canada. Way easier to get ammo than 30-40...and will work fine for local critters if you decide to hunt with it. The answers for your questions will be along here shortly...love the figure in the wood...

[gunsaholic]

You're lucky for that one to have fallen into hand. 6.5X55 is about the perfect choice for Canada. Way easier to get ammo than 30-40...and will work fine for local critters if you decide to hunt with it. The answers for your questions will be along here shortly...love the figure in the wood...

I actually acquired 2 Norwegian Krags a couple of days apart. The other I knew was sporterized and it has been rechambered in 6.5x54 Mannlicher Schoenauer..

[browningautorifle]

That cartridge can be had too, we just had a gunshow here in Victoria and I had some of that very fine cartridge on the table...and it sold...

[butlersrangers]

'gunsaholic': Your Norwegian Krag does appear to be a correct Model 1895 Kavalerikarabin. I believe 1899 is the year of manufacture and #1003 the serial number.

I am more familiar with later Norwegian Krags that have the date and a Crown with stylized "K" (for Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk) on the receiver ring. Usually, the serial number is on the left side of the receiver ring, and also on the barrel, the bolt handle root (IIRC) and some digits on other small parts. It appears this later practice may have been different when your carbine was made.

According to Sigurd Halverson, who did Chapter 16 on Norwegian arms, in Brophy's, 'The Krag Rifle', the 1899 production of carbines were serialed from #851 to 2,350, (stamped on the right side of the receiver bridge).

It appears to me, you have some type of commercial sling swivel mounted on the front of your trigger guard. There should be a hole there, but, it was for a military 'quick-detachable swivel', I believe. Also, there is wood filler in the openings in your stock behind the pistol grip, that are for a peculiar 'stud/ring' and its retaining screw. The military sling was anchored to this with a 'snap-hook'.

Photo attached of said piece of hardware - PM me if you are interested, I have one.

[gunsaholic]

Thanks so much for the info and PM sent.