My Krag Has Arrived!!!

[5hundo]

So, my Krag arrived while I was away on business but my G-friend (who wasn't supposed to know I bought it ) rescued it from the wrath of the Fedex guy...

The "Gods of the Krag" didn't reward me with quite the thing of beauty that Toolman got, but it's complete and should be a good shooter (after a headspace check and approval from a gunsmith).

There was LOTS of rust in the bore and the end of the barrel was pretty bad. Still, for a 110 year old rifle, not terrible. The firing pin and striker were both present and the magazine is complete and looks functional. Here are some pictures:



As you can see, the foreward sling swivel is broken, so I'll have to find a replacement. I wasn't really enthralled about that...





Surface rust, pitting and blueing condition are about what you'd expect to see on a rifle as old as this one...



Here is the tip of the barrel.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it. There are a few little issues but they are all pretty standard and/or repairable. I think my Krag will make a good addition to my collection!!

[smle-man]

not bad! Probably lots of corrosive blanks through it over the years. Try plugging the chamber and filling the bore with ATF for about a week, then go at it with several .30 bore brushes. Even if it is pitted it will be ok as long as the muzzle isn't rounded off. Be sure to clean from the breech.

[5hundo]

not bad! Probably lots of corrosive blanks through it over the years. Try plugging the chamber and filling the bore with ATF for about a week, then go at it with several .30 bore brushes.

When you say "ATF", do you mean "Automatic Transmission Fluid"?

Even if it is pitted it will be ok as long as the muzzle isn't rounded off. Be sure to clean from the breech.

That's tough! It's a long way from the breech to the end of the barrel. I had to go the other way a minute ago...

[smle-man]

You risk further wearing the muzzle if you clean from the muzzle and saw away at the bore. The muzzle is the key to accuracy. I'd buy a longer stainless steel rod and always clean from the chamber end. Stay away from the sectioned soft aluminum rods too. They get grit impregnated in the metal and act like a abrasive cutter on throats, rifling and muzzles.

Have fun!

[5hundo]

You risk further wearing the muzzle if you clean from the muzzle and saw away at the bore. The muzzle is the key to accuracy. I'd buy a longer stainless steel rod and always clean from the chamber end. Stay away from the sectioned soft aluminum rods too. They get grit impregnated in the metal and act like a abrasive cutter on throats, rifling and muzzles.

Have fun!

I had a typo in my last post and I put my reply in your quote. Sorry...

By ATF, do you mean "Automatic Transmission Fluid"?

[Two Shots]

ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Most ATFs contain some combination of rust preventatives, anti-foam additives, detergents, dispersants, anti-wear additives, anti-oxidation compounds, surfactants, cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, and petroleum dye.The fluid is a highly refined mineral oil optimized for the special requirements of an automatic transmission
I've used Dexron on a Mauser and it worked great.Thats going to be a good addition to your home Oh, and getting caught by the GF. LOL been there with the wife a few times .

[5hundo]

ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Most ATFs contain some combination of rust preventatives, anti-foam additives, detergents, dispersants, anti-wear additives, anti-oxidation compounds, surfactants, cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, and petroleum dye.The fluid is a highly refined mineral oil optimized for the special requirements of an automatic transmission
I've used Dexron on a Mauser and it worked great.Thats going to be a good addition to your home Oh, and getting caught by the GF LOL been there with the wife a few times .

I figured that this is what he was getting at...

Okay. I'll do the ATF thing. I've used ATF for a lot of "unconventional" motorcycle applications. I'm sure it's just as effective in firearms applications.

Thanks for the clarification...

[TregoMark]

Nice looking Krag. That's one more than I have!

[smle-man]

I had a typo in my last post and I put my reply in your quote. Sorry...

By ATF, do you mean "Automatic Transmission Fluid"?

Sorry, didn't answer your question; yes auto trans fluid. It really penetrates over a period of time and make the rust removal a lot easier. You need to clean from the chamber end so you can clean the chamber also. Order a long enough stainless rod. After years of sectioned steel rods I finally broke down and bought two rods, a one piece long one and a one piece short one plus a .22 diameter rod. It's worth the investment. I also popped for nylon bore guides for my surplus arms.

[toolman9000]

I think it will clean up to be a good shooter, you got a great piece of history there and for the money it is still a great value...

[tunder]

5hundo-

As you can see, the foreward sling swivel is broken

That looks mighty smooth for being broken. Maybe a field expedient stacking swivel modification?

[5hundo]

5hundo-


That looks mighty smooth for being broken. Maybe a field expedient stacking swivel modification?

The "smooth" part that you noticed is because it's a two pronged swivel. The piece on top is what broke. It broke right at the top.

Also, let me also say to anyone considering buying one of these (I'm going to "bold" this so it gets noticed):

If you're going to work on the handguard, BE CAREFUL! The wood is very thin in parts and I've already chipped off a piece of my wood handguard.

[tunder]

OK I see it now.

And, oh yeah, nice rifle. They're slick operating rifles.

[Farmer_Rob]

very kewl

[5hundo]

very kewl

Thanks!

Not bad for $450....