Older custom .22 Hornet Krag

[georgewxxx]

A couple years ago a friend wanted me to work up some cast loads for this old Krag 22 Hornet. The gun has a 1937 dated M2 .22 Springfield barrel and a custom stock with a very large beaver-tail for-end. The barrel is stamped R. B. Engel Belmont Mass. Does that gunsmith name ring a bell with anyone? I've been re-reading F.C. Ness's Practical Dope On the .22 and Krag actions and Springfield .22 barrels were used by a lot of smiths back in the 30's and 40's, but the name Engel isn't mentioned.


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_2375097fbba56c36.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=7299)

[uscra112]

My .22 Lovell R2 Krag also has a Springfield .22 barrel. Hervey Lovell himself did at least as few that way, according to what I've read. Mine will shoot the lights out, using 45 grain .223 Hornet Sierras. (I don't cast for .22s)

Despite having lived in Belmont in my youth, I know nothing about that gunsmith. Probably much before my time anyway. Most of these Krag conversions were pre-WW2.

[gandydancer]

I lived in Belmont mass from 1954 until 1962 ( summers only ) never heard of that name. R B Engel could it be the rifle owners name? I don't know of any gunsmiths in Belmont at that time.