Krag Rifle Finish

[terryt]

KRAG Rifle Finish

Does anyone know what the original finish on the Krags were?
The one I have was made in 1901 and the bore is in mint shape and it looks to have been fried very little.
The finish on mine is bright as if it was never blued or any other finish put on it.
It does not appear to have been buffed off.

Most of the ones I have seen have some kind of finish on them.

Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Terryt

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Interesting post and situation. The originals were heavily rust blued. As far as I know they were never left "in the white", other than replacement bolts. The originals bolts were usually blued as well.

I honestly can't tell you what you've got without examining it -- and maybe couldn't then -- but one possibility comes to mind. If you're certain that it hasn't been buffed, then perhaps the original finish was removed chemically. In post WW I years many of these rifles were used for ceremonial purposes, such as color guard units, and were nickel plated. It was as recently as the Bill Clinton administration that these fearsome weapons were ordered removed from such treacherous organizations as the VFW, surrendered back to the government, and then sold off to various dealers and parts houses. So it might be -- again, given the absence of buffing marks -- that the nickel plating was chemically removed and you ended up with a rifle with no finish.

In the normal course of things you'll find many Krags that have receivers on which the bluing has worn off just from handling. The receiver is a natural place around which to wrap a sweaty hand when carrying. But there will still usually be some traces of blue, and other parts of the rifle like the barrel will retain blued finish.

[rmcc]

All were "blued" as stated above.

[terryt]

Hi:

Thanks for the replys.

I had thought it might have been chemically removed. It is a very accurate shooter ( 2.5 inch groups at 100 yard)s from a bench rest.and the wood and cartroue are in excellent condiation.

I bought it last year for $ 600.00 because of the bore being perfect.

Tjhanks,

Terrry

[rmcc]

Good buy!! I bought mine for $300= bore being toast!! Going to send to CMP for re-barrel!!

[wrench]

From the research that I have done, American Krag rifle receivers were not blued from the factory, but rather case hardened in oil. This gave them that sort of blotchy look.
If they are blued, they either went back for a rearsenal, or it was done out of service.
Barrels were blued, as were many small parts.

[bob208]

all were blued. what you have is a prade or color gaurd riflethat was chromed or nickle plated.

[lefty o]

blued with some small parts color case hardened.