Krag-Jørgensen 6,5x55 target rifle

[Spindrift]

1894-1945, the Krag- Jørgensen rifle was the main armament of the Norwegian soldier. Both the rifle and the 6,5x55 cartridge was very modern in 1894. Lots of these rifles were rebuilt to target rifles, used in civilian shooting sports. These old target rifles are ubiquitous in Norway. The competitive shooters have long since abandoned them. So you can get an old Krag almost for free. I have never owned one myself, but decided to remedy the situation. It cost me about 100$.

This was built at the Kongsberg factory in Norway in 1915. Probably saw some army service, until it was rebuilt at the same plant. It looks like the stock is a modified original stock. Target peeps. Mint barrel (seems new, in fact). Blueing intact, everything is super-smooth and tight. Cycling the gun brings a smile to my face! 29in target barrel.

By the way, the blue stuff around the crown is from a felt pen, I measured cartridge lengths yesterday using the «cleaning rod method».

I’ll load up a variety of cast bullets, and see how it works out! If my eyes can’t agree with the peeps, my gunsmith has a acope mount that requires no drilling or tapping. We’ll see.

 

[Tom]

I'd love to have that for $100. I don't think I could find a rusty single shot 22 bolt action for that here!

 

[Spindrift]

I also got this clever, old speed-loader. It works well!

 

[CZ93X62]

That "Speed-loader" tool prompts a question. The USA made use of a Krag-Jorgensen system rifle from 1892-1906, with a similar gated magazine wall. One of the supposed advantages to this system was its ability to orient cartridges loaded loosely through that gated magazine--no rim-lock, no hang-ups, just make sure the bullet noses were pointed forward. Does your Krag enable similar actions with the 6.5 x 55?

 

[Spindrift]

Yes, it does. You can more or less throw the cartridges in the general direction of the loading gate, and they will line up. The speed-loader is not of military origin, it is meant for competitive shooters. It does not lock in the loading gate in any way. You just point the loader at the magazine gate and press the black plate. The cartridges are squirted out of the loader, and the magazine just lines them up. Fascinating design!

 

[Maven]

Wow, what a find, Spindrift! I've never seen one of those, but I'll bet it's a shooter. Btw, I think I still have a set of like new Hornady FL sizing dies and maybe some 140gr. jacketed bullets as well if you're interested.

 

[Maven]

Oops, didn't realize you were in Norway, Sd. Shipping stuff abroad would be prohibitive v. what you can obtain locally.

 

[Matt]

US Krags are wonderful but it’s getting hard to find a nice one sporterized or not. Yours is gorgeous and beautifully gunsmithed. Please keep us updated on how it shoots. Thank you for sharing

 

[Ian]

Matt, the CMP had some a while back and were putting brand-new barrels on some.

 

[Spindrift]

Maven; yes, shipping costs are prohibitive- but thank you for the offer, anyway?
Matt; thanks! Of course I’ll keep you posted!

 

[Bret4207]

The 6.5 Krags were somewhat common back in the 70's where I grew up. I think at one point a mess of them were offered through the mail order houses. You still see one every now and again, at collector prices of course!

 

[Brad]

Collectors, gotta love em. Lots of people who are collectors own stuff that collects dust.
I would rather have $800 in my pocket than $2000 in the back of the safe.

 

[RicinYakima]

Collectors are a different breed of cat, most certainly. When I had 25 Model 1903 Springfields, I could think about them and their difference in my mind, research their histories and why they were made in that form. It is all more mental than practical.

 

[Spindrift]

Finally, I got the chance to shoot my new-old Krag! Conditions were difficult, with fog (see photo). My target was the one on the left, heavily used with a sort of vague bull. Many rounds were used, playing «where are you, Mr Target?». Anyway, it was great fun shooting this old rifle! The reciever is so beautifully made, it gives me pure joy just to cycle the action.

It seems I found at least one load worthy of further exploration; the NOE 268-134 («Kurz»). Cast from BHN12 scrap, powder coated, sized .265 (very tight throat in this rifle). 9 grs of Vectan Ba9 (which is an extruded, short- grained single base powder with a listed burning speed similar to Unique).

This bullet must be seated deep, to chamber. Well, seems it might work anyway

If I can find a low-pressure load that shoots about 2 MOA in this rifle, I´ll be happy. It seems possible.

Distance 100m, target increments (almost exactly) 1 MOA, shot from prone with support on an old car tire

 

[Glaciers]

Nice rifle! Glad your getting it to the range.

 

[todd]

very nice rifle!!!!!!!!