Anyone know what this is? Like a Krag...... but Not

[chickenstripe]

I'm interested in what caliber, and type of rifle this is. The best I can determine is that it's a 8x58 RD

108603108604108605

[sthwestvictoria]

I have never seen one however a quick google of Geværfabriken Kjøbenhavn reveals it to be a Danish Model 1889 Krag-Jorgensen. If it is unmolested other than the shortening of the fore-wood the chambering shoulder be 8x54R. Does it still have the bulbous front sight band?

Here is one for sale:
http://www.icollector.com/Danish-Krag-Jorgensen-Model-1889-Bolt-Action-Rifle_i13828587

here is a bit about them:
http://www.pmulcahy.com/battle_rifles/danish_battle_rifles.htm

[mikeym1a]

Very interesting article on a very interesting firearm.

[chickenstripe]

It has been sporterized, and has no barrel bands nor sights.

[leadman]

Yes, it is a Danish Krag that has been sporterized. Could be a rifle from Sweden also IIRC. There should be a clip loading slot visible when you open the magazine. The bolt handle was designed to work as a second locking lug on these. Don't know why the U.S. did not adopt these features as they would have proved useful.

I have a rolling block that was converted in 1891 by the Swedish government to the 8 X 58RD. Brass can be made from 45-90 or 45-70. The 45-70 is a little short in the neck but works fine and way cheaper than 45-70. Buffalo arms also has stretched 45-70 and dies for sale.
I do not recommend loading any of the Bob Shell loads as they are way hotter than even a 30-06! This rifle is stronger I am told then the rolling block but it is still old. There is a long thread on the rolling blocks with more info in it.

The Dutchman here probably has knowledge of everything you may want to know about these guns.

[Pb2au]

It is junk. Send it to me for immediate disposal.

[chickenstripe]

OK, buffalo arms sells ammo for this, but in two different headspaces? (0.060 and 0.070) Any easy way to measure?

I've read that 45-70 rims have to be "thinned) or "trimmed" for them to fit into the 8x58 RD??

[Dutchman]

Danish military issue case dated 1931.

case OAL = 2.272"
head diameter = .501"
rim diameter = .574"
rim thickness = .058"
bullet diameter
at case mouth = .323"

Norma commercial 8x58RD
headstamp = Norma 8mm m/89

case OAL = 2.266"
head diameter = .501"
rim diameter = .576"
rim thickness = .059"
bullet diameter
at case mouth = .323"

http://dutchman.rebooty.com/GB8x58RD.html