Is 1898 Krag barrel pressure bedded?

[gc1054]

All,

Working up my 1898 Krag rifle for Spring shoots and was noting that the barrel appears to be clamped between the upper band and the stock. Should there be a bit of clearance here between the barrel and the upper band? Also, is the Krag rifle barrel pressure bedded at the forend tip in a manner similar to an'03 Springfield?

Thanks!

gc

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I don't think they are...mine always seemed to just lie flat. Perhaps you have a bit of twist in the woodwork?

[gc1054]

Could be I suppose. Definitely no gap between the top of the barrel and the bottom of the upper band.

[browningautorifle]

I'm surprised no one else has come in here. There's a few that will be along if we wait...

[butlersrangers]

'browningautorifle' kind of summed it up in his 1st response: "Lies flat".

IMHO, experience, & understanding - Only a thin amount of wood is present under the Krag magazine opening, connecting the Fore Stock and Butt Stock areas (approx. 4" long X 5/8" thick). The Krag trigger-guard screws are only about 3 inches apart. There is not sufficient Stock strength for consistent upward pressure at forearm tip.

Basically, the Krag barrel lies bottomed in the forearm barrel channel, held down by the close fitting rear and front barrel-bands. The front trigger-guard screw is 'tight' to bottom the magazine body.

The rear trigger-guard screw is left just 'snug'. If it is too tight, it levers or lifts the barrel and risks causing stock splits and cracks at the receiver tang and behind the magazine.
(This Stock assembly has given me the best results).

[gc1054]

Thanks. The barrel on my 1898 rifle looks to also lie flat in the forend channel. At the upper band there is zero clearance between the band and barrel which seems like it will trap the barrel as it heats up during firing. If this is the way a Krag rifle was properly stocked up I'll leave it as is for now.

[butlersrangers]

One of the best U. S. authorities on 'Target Shooting', in the era of the Krag, was Dr. Walter Guy Hudson (Company Doctor for Remington).

His 1903 work, "Modern Rifle Shooting from the American Standpoint", makes some mention of Stock, Barrel and Barrel-Band fit (for the Krag):


Attachment 70074Attachment 70073Attachment 70072Attachment 70075Attachment 70076

[gc1054]

butlersrangers,
Thanks very much for posting the information on the Krag.... Much appreciated!
gc1054