My Krag Sporter

[Texas by God]

I'm going to slowly put together a Krag sporter with parts I've scooped up here and there. It's an 1898 action in excellent condition with a new PacNor .308" 1-10" 24" barrel. For wood I have a Fajen or Bishop Monte Carlo mannlicher semi inletted walnut stock. I haven't decided lots of details yet but I know Monte had to go. I've never barreled or stocked a Krag so here we go. It will have a Redfield reciever sight, that's for sure.
To be continued; advice, criticism, ideas welcomed.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190228/061590b16786f0a272079a15fa561d89.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190228/b4a891973c0f2131af15a7127b04a095.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190301/99bd57db6af46ef22d204336c8034fcb.jpg

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[tim338]

Looks like you have a good start.

[TNsailorman]

I really like the krags and will be watching with interest. james

[Texas by God]

A snag came in the form of the wrong screw included with the sight I won at auction. LUCKILY I found a bolt with identical threads and a shoulder in the correct spot. I'll have to anneal, cut to flush and file a screw lot so there's that. I like these sights but they're getting pricey!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190302/0533ad67a8cc0bce4858b331659cffa9.jpg

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[waksupi]

I would probably go a bit smaller on the cheekpiece than you have marked out. They don't need to be as big as some do them. Put some talc on your cheek and mount the stock. See where your face contacts, and go back around a half inch from that. They should be cut down to not much more than 3/8 to 1/2" in total height.

[Texas by God]

I like that idea, Waksupi. When I nail down my LOP I'll do that. Thanks!

[SvenLindquist]

You get very kool and make a flush sided magazine like some the the high end Krag sporters had.

There's an article on how to do that in the NRA Gunsmithing Guide: "Flush Magazine for Krag" by J.M. Pearson and J.C. Leigh, Jr. page 280.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/us-krag-hart-arms-co-flush-magazine-replacement

Here's a link to one (page down a bit)

http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=211011&page=all

[Deadeye Bly]

Lose the white line spacer. The Redfield receiver sight is a good choice. You will need a barrel band to hold the barrel to the fore stock. You could incorporate it with a sling swivel or just do each separately to keep the sling from exerting pressure on the barrel. A Williams front ramp will look good or one of the discontinued Lyman ramps if you like a simpler look. I've cut the Monte Carlo comb from several Fajen stocks and I think it improves the looks for a classic style. You did good.

[Texas by God]

Thanks for the tips. Yes the plastic is destined for the burn barrel. I've got a barrel band in the works, too. I haven't decided whether to keep the Mannlicher forend or not. My barrel is slightly larger than issue so it might look off. I also have an idea for a detachable scope mount built on an extra side plate. I've seen those wood side sporters and they are nice but I've done some rasp testing there already and I like the original look. Thanks again, everybody.

[BlackPowderLove]

fun build! I am looking forward to watching this!

[waksupi]

Here is one my friend Gene did. It may give you some inspiration.

https://www.customrifles.us/completed-6-5-x-55-norwegian-krag-pre-war-sporter/

[Texas by God]

Thank you for that link. It's neat how he added a front action screw and used a barrel wedge. That butt shape is sort of what I'm thinking of. It's feels like I'm not qualified to criticize -but I don't like the left side treatment.

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[gnoahhh]

Here is one my friend Gene did. It may give you some inspiration.

https://www.customrifles.us/completed-6-5-x-55-norwegian-krag-pre-war-sporter/

Beautiful workmanship. I like the lines of that stock a lot but have to agree with TBG re: LH side treatment. It kind of looks like it was done to correct a boo-boo, whether it was or not. I personally find the bolt handle treatment to look kind of weird too.

[gnoahhh]

Thanks for the tips. Yes the plastic is destined for the burn barrel. I've got a barrel band in the works, too. I haven't decided whether to keep the Mannlicher forend or not. My barrel is slightly larger than issue so it might look off. I also have an idea for a detachable scope mount built on an extra side plate. I've seen those wood side sporters and they are nice but I've done some rasp testing there already and I like the original look. Thanks again, everybody.

IMO Krags don't make up into full stocked designs very well. I've yet to see one that didn't look clunky. For me, "Mannlicher" stocks look best on Mannlichers.

[Binky]

I certainly have no criticism and only advise is to go slow. Much easier to take some more off than it is to put some back on! It has been several decades since I did a stock and I now have a couple to work on and am sort of looking forward to getting back into it. I am also looking forward to seeing your progress! Thanks for the preview!

[ulav8r]

A snag came in the form of the wrong screw included with the sight I won at auction. LUCKILY I found a bolt with identical threads and a shoulder in the correct spot. I'll have to anneal, cut to flush and file a screw lot so there's that.[/IMG]

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That will allow you to clock the slot.

[Texas by God]

Thanks ulav8r. Great idea!

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[waksupi]

That will allow you to clock the slot.

A tip on that. Some don't know the proper method. Put the screw or bolt in place, and see where you need to go. Then chuck it in a drill press, and use a file to take down the back surface of the head until it indexes properly.

[ulav8r]

A tip on that. Some don't know the proper method. Put the screw or bolt in place, and see where you need to go. Then chuck it in a drill press, and use a file to take down the back surface of the head until it indexes properly.
True, but in this case the orientatiion of the slot can be determined before cutting off the bolt. Cut the slot so that it takes no more than 1/8th of a turn to bring it in line. Save the final shaping of the head until after the slot is properly clocked.

If you make the mistake of shaping and slotting the head first, it may require taking off enough for nearly a full turn and the head will be too thin afterwards to look good.

[Texas by God]

I plan on tightening it with the existing Allen head, marking the slot location with a prick punch, then remove it, dress the head with the slot parallel to the bore, fire blue it, and oil quench. It will be flush like the original.

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[Texas by God]

Almost there. I'll finish it at the end of the project. A .22lr hull makes a good holder for the screw. Forgive the blurred pic of the dremel[emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190310/326291bb645ac561e35aa39dd8512f77.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190310/7f65b339ff822020f1acf614d93aefe1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190310/8f6f88d002b0729d14ab67f9dfc3213b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190310/c25876bcbe76121c5e6898b883b9d37a.jpg

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[Der Gebirgsjager]

Great idea, using the .22 case. :Bright idea:

[KLR]

Nicely done.

[Texas by God]

Thanks. Our wet year continues so I may get to play in the shop some this week. Gosh I hate to miss work[emoji57]

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[waksupi]

True, but in this case the orientatiion of the slot can be determined before cutting off the bolt. Cut the slot so that it takes no more than 1/8th of a turn to bring it in line. Save the final shaping of the head until after the slot is properly clocked.

If you make the mistake of shaping and slotting the head first, it may require taking off enough for nearly a full turn and the head will be too thin afterwards to look good.

There should be no circumstance where you need to take off more than 1/4 turn, and that is a negligible amount to remove.

[Texas by God]

Thanks for the screw timing tips, gentlemen. Miles to go, the Krag is definitely a different animal.
If anyone has good pictures of an original Krag stock inletting-I would certainly appreciate looking at them. I want the inletting to look correct at least. This is the first time I've ever restocked a rifle without an original stock for comparison
Thomas. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190313/6ba2a903d3a015bac1f5209b1c16ae05.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190313/c6da19ef4240810a4a8a85b2c9a056fb.jpg

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[gnoahhh]

Cut out with a scroll saw just shy of your lines. Then sneak up on final inlet with the same methods you used to final inlet the receiver- with inletting black, lipstick, etc. Try to make the fit so close that the metal appears to have grown inside the tree.

[Texas by God]

That's the plan gnoahh. I sure want to see original inletting to see the various humps, shelves and cuts, though. The scroll saw is indispensable for this job for sure. The sharpie lines are just general area markers for my benefit.

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[firebyprolong]

237878237879237876237880237877
This should give you a pretty good idea of inleting, keep in mind that at some point the wedge of wood in front of the bolt handle has been broken off this stock, that will be corrected before I put it back on a rifle. Hope they help. If you need a better shot of something just let me know. Yours is coming along vet nicely by the way, I look forward to seeing it finished.

[ulav8r]

There should be no circumstance where you need to take off more than 1/4 turn, and that is a negligible amount to remove.

That should be 1/2, unless you put in two slots at 90 degrees to each other.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

237884237885237886237887237888
This is a new Boyd's semi-inlet, but almost a drop-in.

DG

[skeettx]

Wow, lots of work and love
Rave ON !!

[Texas by God]

Ask and ye shall receive! Thank you both; that's perfect!

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[Texas by God]

I'm going with a used Hogue pad. Some screw holes need to be filled and this is how my shop teacher taught me to do it 45years ago......https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190324/fe42b723d6bfa9b9a89df2783455dbaa.jpg

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[Texas by God]

I'm still working down the cheek piece and I found that a 1/4"-20 stud will thread in enough with finger pressure to serve as an inletting guide screw. I need a new Surform blade.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190327/ed90e75eef3d190467662f69b5712dea.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190327/469c3ea396f9e78ba0b5b0d6fdb14354.jpg

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[swheeler]

TBG not trying to be mean but that cheek piece looks funky:-( I hope you got enough wood left to salvage it, maybe a straight comb now? Carry on.

[Texas by God]

No offense taken. It's still being imagined and it may go away entirely.

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[Texas by God]

Going slow. I think it looks a little better now?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190404/478cbf2fa71bd0d2ac5bafe9ac210138.jpg

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[swheeler]

That looks better, but the real question is do you and your cheek like it. Carry on looking good!:drinks:

[waksupi]

I'm still working down the cheek piece and I found that a 1/4"-20 stud will thread in enough with finger pressure to serve as an inletting guide screw. I need a new Surform blade.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190327/ed90e75eef3d190467662f69b5712dea.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190327/469c3ea396f9e78ba0b5b0d6fdb14354.jpg

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Whoever made the stock blank kind of screwed the pooch on it. It is extremely difficult to get the lines to flow properly when they leave you that to work with. You may want to consider the oval shaped European design.

[Texas by God]

It fits my cheek perfectly now, but I think another 1/2" off the bottom edge will help.
I don't know if it's Fajen or Bishop but it came with a Monte Carlo comb with thick cheek piece so that may have done it. I used talc on my face to "spot" the cheek piece like you said. I have a slender face and long neck so shaped for me may "look" odd[emoji16]
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[nekshot]

sure do like what you are doing. This is assuring to me to never make a stock for one of these!

[Texas by God]

I managed to mess with it a little lately. Going slow trying to avoid booboos. To the possible dismay of some, I have decided to use pecan for contrasting grip cap and forend tip. The tree it came from was here when the Indians lived here. Here's some pics; when I get close, I'll install the barrel to finish inletting.
Cluttered bench; cluttered mind[emoji3] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190521/69882cca10776ff3e11d1aa26c1754f2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190521/abd09f3a8f266bce11a1e66fdba848e4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190521/356bac9e09848e8a6897ccbc32d7f818.jpg

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[swheeler]

Pecan tip and cap a little different, I like different though. Are they glued on in the last photo, grip cap looks to be?

[Texas by God]

Grip cap is glued on and rough shaped. I still need to saw out a tip from the same plank. A summer wind shear a couple years back took down two 15" caliper limbs that I had a local sawmill cut into planks.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190522/93feb0391b9e2cb88884965b014ea8a3.jpg

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[swheeler]

Nothing wrong with different, there's already plenty ebony and rosewood being used for those purposes, my brother used apple wood from his tree.

[Abert Rim]

I salute any man willing to take on stock work. Like the pecan, too -- and the history in it.

[Texas by God]

I got a little farther but I feel I'd better fit and headspace the barrel, then finish inletting. I'll rent the reamer soon.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190610/8918eed1c6bf8abc981a3654a8f58876.jpg

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[swheeler]

"I got a little farther but I feel I'd better fit and headspace the barrel, then finish inletting. I'll rent the reamer soon." Looks chambered to me, was it short chambered

[Texas by God]

Yes, it is short chambered. By about a quarter inch.

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[Texas by God]

That "quarter inch" reminds me of when I guessed a rooster's weight and missed it by 8 pounds......[emoji23]
Onward and upward.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190628/d1746e4504269d8af7bc0dc69eccf1f4.jpg

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[Hamish]

That's interesting that PacNor sends out "short chambered" barrels like that.

Looking good TbG.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Special order.

[Texas by God]

I had my machinist brother run the reamer into the barrel on the lathe to "almost" full depth. I will finish it by hand.
Special thanks to Der Gerbirgsjager for advice and expertise on this project!

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[Texas by God]

Closer yet. Time to mark & cut the extractor slot.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190704/82133d454127ddb6c408dfbbccd3b4e8.jpg

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[Texas by God]

Test fired just fine. Back to inletting the stock now. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/acaa41bb39d469650bba2293a666c2d1.jpg

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[Clark]

246071

Square threads? I am going to have to cut square threads?
I did that last week on an old Savage 1899.

[Texas by God]

Yes sir, Square threads. Please tell us more about the project in the picture. Those are good looking carbines.

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[Clark]

I got a made in 1902 Win1895 in 30 Gov [30-40 Krag] in 2013, and bought a 250 Krag reamer for it, but have not used it.
I got a made in 1900 Krag in 2017 and put an SK scope mount on it, with some modification the stock. It has a perfect bore. I got a sporter stock for it and planned to drill and tap the rifle with 1/4-28* on the bottom for a forward action screw and drill and tap 10-32 on the side to replace the SK strap.
But then in 2018 I got a made in 1902 Krag reblued with bad bore and complete stock.

My revised plan is to put the perfect bore together with the complete stock and have one original rifle.
The reblued action will get the sporter stock, the scope mount, and a Lilja or Bartlein stainless barrel in 250 Krag. This could be a hunting rifle for October 2019.

* Years ago, someone already thought of that on this forum. You pillar mount enough Rem700 rifles, and you want to turn everything into a Rem700:)

[Texas by God]

That sounds like a great plan. I worked on my forend tip last night until I missed the AC and went back inside.....

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[TNsailorman]

Dang I am hooked on this thread. I always wanted a really nice old .340-40 Krag but could never find one I could afford. Now I can live "vicariously" thru this thread. It's like watching a movie that you can't wait to see the ending and final results. Keep it up Texas, I am waiting and learning too. james

[Texas by God]

Forming a forend tip.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190804/cd7d4084bcdd2b061ab6ce41a4c493b0.jpg

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[Clark]

247247247248247249247250

I did some Krag work today.
For one Krag [the one that someone reblued] I made two bushings so I could pull the barrel.
The torque as 200 foot pounds all the way until I Realized my barrel vise was crushing the receiver. This Is what happens when I treat a round receiver like a barrel in a barrel vise
I cut some matching threads on a Bartlein 257 stainless barrel blank. I have a 250 Krag Ackley reamer... maybe tomorrow after grandkids.

On another Krag [The one I restoring to gray rat condition] I put the butt plate in the washing soda tank and applied - 28 Volts.

[Clark]

I got it chambered and headspaced.
247456
I drilled and taped a 1/4-28 hole in the front ring of a Krag action.
At first I could not spot drill this hard old gun. I got a carbide drill out and broke through the surface. Chinese taps did not work. I had to use American. The only other receiver I ever drilled and tapped that was hard, was an 1896 Swedish Mauser.





247457
I was fitting a Walnut semi inletted stock to the Krag. I have two aluminum pillars rattling around in the rear now. I will make another one for the 1/4-28 hole. I will glass bed the pillars in the pre compressed way tomorrow.

[Clark]

247480

The pillars are Aluminum alloy 1/2" center drilled with an "I" drill to clear 1/4 inch screws.

The rear pillars are flat top.

The front pillar was side cut with 1.25" end mill and pre compressed into the 1.3" front ring during epoxy [ Devcon Steel putty hardening now]

[swheeler]

I like the extra screw and the pillar bedding. If a Krag was ever going to set some records for accuracy this one has a good start to doing it. Thanks for sharing, probably should start your own thread Clark.

[Texas by God]

That's great work there. What are you imagining about sights? My Krag got set aside for barter projects lately; I'm liking your progress.

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[Clark]

247625247626247627

a) The 1900 Krag with like new bore to be returned to non sporterized condition is done. I would say there is no bluing, but there is under the rear sight.

b) The 1902 Krag reblued with shotout bore, has been rebarreled to 25 Krag Ackley with a cut down and tapered Bartlein, has been drilled and tapped for 1/4-28 action screw, has been pillar bedded with 3 pillars, has been drilled and tapped with 10-32 holes in two places for a now modified S&K scope mount, has been fitted for a recoil pad, and is now getting sanded.

[samari46]

Unusual side mount. Home made or store bought?. Excellent work. Frank

[Clark]

That is the S&K Krag no drill scope mount. It would be good for left eye shooters. I moved mine closer to the center by drilling holes yesterday.
Years ago, when I would call S&K, it was one old guy and ~4 giggling women. Very happy place. Now the S&K website is still using FRAMES.
I can't make a good html link to the S&K Krag in frames, but Amazon has lifted a pic from there.
https://www.amazon.com/30-40-Rifle-Scope-Mount-Rings/dp/B00HW3GCKK

[Clark]

247671

I sanded the stock, watered the stock, sanded the stock, oiled the stock, sanded the stock, oiled the stock, sanded the stock, and waxed the stock.

I did a grind to fit on the Limbsaver recoil pad.

I drilled the stock for Uncle Mike's swivel studs.

I mounted a VX-3 Boone and Crockett 2x10x40 and bore sighted with Leupold Zero Point illuminated with a flashlight.

I put a swivel bi pod on it.

It still needs a scope level, bore cote, a sling, a rear bag, and to be sighted in. But I am done with it for a while so some other rifles can get worked on.

[swheeler]

Well it took you long enough, but not bad at all!:bigsmyl2: Let us know how it shoots maybe a couple 10 shot groups.

[Texas by God]

What a nice deer rifle that will be. And you dont mess around- as Swheeler pointed out!

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[Uncle Grinch]

TBG, hope you find time to get back to your Krag! You got me hooked on this thread and I can’t wait to see more!

[Texas by God]

Thanks, Uncle Grinch. Work and the heat just have me worn out lately. I nod at it in passing lately- I hope to get back to it soon.

[eric123]

Have you considered modifying one of these to work as a barrel band? When I cut my stock down, I am going to drill and tap this for a screw and solder onto the barrel of my Krag...

https://www.talleymanufacturing.com/product/id-barrel-band/

[Texas by God]

Thanks for the link. I’m still pondering possibilities on the barrel band/ forearm problem.

[samari46]

Link worked perfectly. But due for cataract surgery the end of the month. So we'll see what we will see. My old 1898 has been sported by a previous owner. Barrel and stock cutback, sporting ramp front sight and issue military rear sight left in place. Frank

[Clark]

https://youtu.be/Mkp_2DkcrSE

I cannot upload pictures to this site any more, but I can post this youtube showing how I got 25 Krag Ackley pointy bullets to feed in a Krag action.

[Texas by God]

It's back.....plenty of rasping, chiseling, and sanding to go. Forgive the clutter.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200220/f0e5fb5994efd6c5cd6c7c65e4db0f4b.jpg

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[Chad5005]

nice work,this will be a beautiful rifle when youre done

[Texas by God]

I'm wearing it down every few days. This will speed up the barrel channel. My old shop teacher would birth a horned toad... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200306/e0fdce72f8576a8d9b471743b6a756b5.jpg

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[Chad5005]

looks like itll work as good as the inletting tools do

[Texas by God]

A little further. X is roughly where the reciever sight will be. It's time to get to making the barrel band so the inletting will be done and shaping can proceed. The action and barrel are near bottomed out but that band is needed up front. Now I'm thinking the forend is longer than it should be.....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200315/dc0008c0ba7e1298aade06c12981d30c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200315/3bf6cc4c458206fc2c3f62f099af3bbb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200315/c4d9b6935c29c7b4b86434d777f1324c.jpg

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200315/bbcc1aef9191ad49ff05138d1dd7b835.jpg

[Mk42gunner]

The fore end does look a bit long. I think the recommended for arm length is 40% of the barrel; but you should check on that, not just blindly take my word for it.

To me with the camera perspective, it looks like you need to move the tip back about twice the length of the current tip, i.e. remove a section of walnut twice the length of the pecan then reinstall the pecan tip. Its an idea anyway.

Kudos to you for showing work in progress.

Robert

[Texas by God]

I did shorten the forend and still lots of slimming/shaping to do before the sandathon begins.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200321/ba631fbcc5191def80e59a62f443ea38.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200321/ef6db39f1db7c620224b48c27faed0f8.jpg

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[koger]

Been a while since I checked in on this Thomas, it is looking great!

[Texas by God]

The inletting is done, I need to glass bed it and fit the barrel band. I found this in my odd parts- I heated it cherry red and beat and squeezed it down to where it needs to be, using the barrel for a mandrel. Serendipitous that the swivel stud fits!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200403/9bdf5c938803547ada7ec52256d88d23.jpg

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[Pirate69]

This is one that was built by Mel Johnson at his RI shop. Verified by his son a few years ago. May give you some ideas.



https://s718.photobucket.com/user/Pirate69-photo/slideshow/30-40%20Krag

[Texas by God]

Pirate69, I cant enlarge the images. Thanks, though
Update: I saw the slide show, Pirate. Mine wont look that nice. The side treatment on the left flows well I think. Thanks for sharing!

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[Texas by God]

A close up of the barrel band jury rigging.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200405/b6b013b7aaddb5509fbd3ea1fabcad19.jpg

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[Pirate69]

try this. Hope you can enlarge.
https://s718.photobucket.com/user/Pirate69-photo/media/30-40%20Krag/100_1026.jpg.html
https://s718.photobucket.com/user/Pirate69-photo/media/30-40%20Krag/100_1027.jpg.html
https://s718.photobucket.com/user/Pirate69-photo/media/30-40%20Krag/100_1028.jpg.html
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[Texas by God]

Back at it. I cheated with heat to mark where I need to chisel the square opening for the barrel band. I've discovered that a broken bullet puller makes a nice tapper for the little chisel pictured. The wire nut sitting in the hole prevents damage if the chisel slips.......https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200526/6c74c01aded9e0e101a5745e6e670b06.jpg

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[Mk42gunner]

As the instructor at my Armorer's class said, "Need a tool, make a tool."

Very light hammers for driving miniscule chisels are very hard to find any more.

Robert

[Texas by God]

Excuse the way it looks now but I figured out the barrel band. The brass piece will be inletted into the forearm to serve as an escutcheon. It is the head of a R-P 30-40 Krag case with the primer cup drilled for the swivel stud. Miles to go yet but I've almost arrived at " Sanding Land".https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200531/5a521112893ffff895f52d58e8abba72.jpg

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[Mk42gunner]

Great minds think alike, I did the same thing with a 7.62 NATO case for the takedown screw on my .22. It is a Savage Model 120A, and while I have several .22 rifles, some better some worse, this one is MINE. I have had it since Christmas 1974, when I was ten.

Robert

After writing this, I had to check last night, something just didn't seem right.

I mis-remembered the brass I used, it was a .45-70. Must have been for the larger footprint.

R

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Now that is a really neat idea--using the cartridge head for an escutcheon. And a little brass color is always nice!

[Texas by God]

Thank you, sirs. I assembled it and shot a couple of rounds. No sights so just testing. The fit at the action/barrel junction needs some glass bedding,and then the sights, and then finishing the wood and the steel. With the heavier than normal barrel it's no lightweight but it hangs good. Soon I'll be sanding and sanding.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200602/c7e93f440ce1a77e7b05f612e18b6b84.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200602/fdd1b47e6e6ca23a2c8f19a51f808d9e.jpg

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[Mk42gunner]

Looking good, it almost makes me want to restock my 1899 carbine.

Robert

[Texas by God]

The butt region needed serious sanding to blend the pad. Power is my friend today. I super glued a front sight on for testing purposes later. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200607/6ede574e5a728f3d8d94b8558e0b5a9f.jpg

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[405grain]

I've been lurking on this thread from the get-go. I love the Krag and repeatedly kick myself for letting go of a '98 carbine many moons ago. Texas by God's doing a great job sporterizing his rifle and it looks very nice. I hope that it shoots just as good as it looks.

[Texas by God]

Thanks! It was cool this evening so I fired 3 rounds at 40 yards. The aperture is so tiny I'll need to open it a bit. The glued and taped front sight served its purpose - I'll find just a tad taller blade front for keeps. Forgive the jacketed bullets!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/f04755550553ee6bf69007858cbf0265.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/03c10ff5c92a3baf7178454b74a44f01.jpg

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[Texas by God]

Wet it and sanded it a few times more. I will use Tru Oil when it's smooth enough.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200613/8fc029cf80a2cf7b1ea55c247635fb98.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200613/c216082884a938150e52c89f628be48d.jpg

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[444ttd]

oh look!!! a crack in the wood!!!!!! you'd better start over and send it to me. i'll use...i mean, take care of it.


great stock!!!!!!!!

[Texas by God]

Time to smooth up the barrel band for finishing. Forgive the welded up vise- but it still works.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200615/f39c5fb39650e509cd8a34d1839183b1.jpg

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[Texas by God]

Thunderstorms here today so I'm pausing the oil rubs on the stock and so I'm sanding off the forming marks from the band. Not surprisingly, the band is "directional" so I cut a slot on the front bottom edge for consistent reassembly. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200621/8e212ff90b8a547172cd18955e8f3567.jpg

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[Texas by God]

The stock is pretty much done. I'm going to hang it out under the shed roof in the hot air for a week to harden the finish and air out the Tru Oil smell. I rubbed in 14 coats. Mean while I'll start prepping the metal for browning. I'll do the band first.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/93abbc74e43f8c2f69adab95a9d75aaa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/3ab415f620175b51c42e4362f5e99154.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/b1f7971540393aae4f4c09822364118e.jpg

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[swheeler]

Stock looks pretty good, no judgement on the browning yet but bet it will look good too. Time for load development is right around the corner.:drinks:

[Texas by God]

Thanks, swheeler for your encouragement along the way- I appreciate it.

[pietro]

.

Nice work, Texas - before fooling with the aperture size, I would respectfully suggest you simply unscrew/remove the aperture and shoot through the resulting "ghost ring".

You should find target acquisition much faster, with only a minor degradation in accuracy - If it doesn't work for you, you've made no permanent change to the sight.


.

[Drm50]

I run receiver sights on all my woods deer guns. When I sight rifle in I have a adjustable aperture and I use smallest one that I can. In the woods I use no aperture, just use frame. Most my shots are under 100yds and deer are running. Nothing faster and you can carry a aperture in case you are getting long shots.

[Texas by God]

Oh yes, I'm familiar with using the ghost ring. As luck would have it I found another Redfield sight in my parts box( CRS- thought I'd sold it) and it has a larger aperture on it so a swap was made.

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[444ttd]

very nice!!!!!!!!

[Texas by God]

For the future owner(s); I stamped some info on the bottom of the barrel and then the caliber stamp where it will show.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200628/f8df20422abe3e4a3cbdbdf7d16f4993.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200628/c32fec430bdf30bb3c83d68b71fc4c48.jpg

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[pietro]

.

Very thoughtful - good on you ! !

Now it might be the time to put the cherry on top of your work and try checkering the stock (although I haven't been very good at it myself)

.

[Texas by God]

.

Very thoughtful - good on you ! !

Now it might be the time to put the cherry on top of your work and try checkering the stock (although I haven't been very good at it myself)

.
Nor am I. I’ve always been steady as a rock one minute and steady as a rubber band the next. I tried checkering in the 1970s and couldn’t pull it off! Too much muscle jerk for detail work.....and that was when I was young. BTW Pietro- I’m looking for a post/ blade front sight for the model 70/ model 94 ramp dovetail and all I’m finding is bead sights. I’ve looked at Williams and Marbles with no luck- any ideas?

[444ttd]

maybe.......https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index/page/category/category_id/589/name/Front+Sights?view_all

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-model-70.html

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-94/parts.html

[Mk42gunner]

Ashley or whatever the company is called now used to make a white center line post front sight to go with a rear aperture. I've got one of the narrow (cough, cough about .080") ones that I put on a Marlin 30AW that works well with a Williams 5D.

Robert

[KMac]

Ashley goes by XS Sights now.

[Texas by God]

My two ghost ring guns(Redding)have post front sights and I like that arrangement better than a bead. Apparently a little dovetail post front sight might have to be made from something else in order to fit the narrow m70 ramp.( the same width as m94 ramp)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200628/e4ff658db89c2ce32a47e46633a2b46c.jpg

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[Der Gebirgsjager]

That's a nice, professional stamping job on the top of the barrel, TbG. Lots of folks don't get it that nice, even with a stamping guide.

As for checkering-- the stockmaking instructor in the gunsmithing school I attended said that you have to practice, practice, practice, and when you've done an area about equivalent to a football field you'll be proficient at it. I've never been good at it, and avoided it for all but touchup jobs. But, truthfully, I don't much like it anyway as the checkering interrupts the natural beauty of the wood grain. Your stock looks very nice as-is.

[Texas by God]

Thank you Der Gebirgsjager, both for the complements and advice sir! This time I laid a sharpie on its side and used the bevel to scribe a straight line to follow. It worked out thank goodness- the under the barrel info is my usual type of stamping.... I also am not much of a checkering fan, preferring the smooth beauty of the wood. I’ve never had a non checkered stock get slippery even when sweating profusely - like today. I also sweated on the modified m70 ramp front sight and browned the side plate and mag box today.

[Texas by God]

This record high humidity certainly helps the browning process. Just the fumes from a small spill of Plum Brown on the work bench started rusting my fingerprints on the bare steel. Going slow, it's hot out there.

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[Texas by God]

This shows the rusting process and the area above that has been carded with 4 ought steel wool.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200706/b98e0bfa6afd06c27b256cdb45cfd88f.jpg

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[Der Gebirgsjager]

That's coming along nicely! Seems more blue than brown...... :D

[Texas by God]

Warts and all, here it is. The 120 year old action didn't turn out as well (browning)as the barrel did but I'll live with it. Some won't like the hog back comb and the pecan accents but I do- it fits me well and the sights are right there when I shoulder it. It's been fun and I'll be giving a range report before too long. Thanks to all for your help and encouragement.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200709/fbd0f78c466fffb603c1554d1c784fc5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200709/f9347605f909ad038fc677f8e83ac458.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200709/a88df251c1bc2c4e5de8de590869d6de.jpg

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[444ttd]

very nice rifle!!!!!!!!!! but you put the cheek piece on the wrong side, you know i shoot left handed[smilie=l:!!!!!

[Texas by God]

very nice rifle!!!!!!!!!! but you put the cheek piece on the wrong side, you know i shoot left handed[smilie=l:!!!!!Thank you for the kind words. However, I'm not sure there IS a more right handed gun than a Krag.

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[map55b]

Looks like a fun project! Can't wait to see it finished and shootin'.

[uscra112]

From one Krag lover to another: Well Done!

If'n I weren't so old myself, I'd beg to be remembered in yer will !

[KLR]

Very nice! I'm looking forward to the range report.

[Texas by God]

I see potential. This is at 25 yards in high heat and fading light. The trigger has some creep to see about. This group is with the C309170F- which sadly won't feed. The Lee 155 grouped close to an inch as well and fed hitchily- (is that a word?)
These were casually assembled with unsized cases, the .309" boolits held in by FCD crimp only. CCI primers with 3.1cc/42.2 grains of IMR 4350- the same load for 220 jacketed bullets. More shooting is in order. I will probably need a RN mould too.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200714/948afe31d91a19cd77172a9cedb9e7da.jpg

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[Texas by God]

I did a limited amount of 40 yard shooting. I have to smooth the feed ramp and smooth the creep from the trigger. The Lee C309150F load brought a big smile to my sweating face.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200725/bc20c62e780f163493ebaa433be51683.jpg

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200725/286d5f5db38351ba048c13912bd6192e.jpg

[swheeler]

That turned out nice and looks like it wants to shoot too! I see a 314299 in your future, maybe the 200 gr Lee RN.

[Texas by God]

That turned out nice and looks like it wants to shoot too! I see a 314299 in your future, maybe the 200 gr Lee RN.Thanks! If I get it to feed correctly with them, round nose is what I want to use in it.

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[swheeler]

You may be better served with 311/299 bore rider nose diameter with the new 30 cal barrel you put on. I can use my 314/299 in the Krag, Jap, 91 Arg and Mosin Nagant. FWIW that bullet feeds slicker than snot on a door knob from my Krag at near mag length and shoots better than I can hold with many loads. https://i.imgur.com/7Arg3GR.jpg

[Baltimoreed]

265976
A very nice build but boy did you do it the hard way, all the take off krag sporter stocks out there. Nice touches on the grip and forend. Pretty work. I’ve built a couple muzzle loaders over the years which were easy compared to your Krag. I made my fake NRA sporter Krag into a Krag Scout. Didn’t do any stock work except a refinish. No bbl work except to shorten it to remove the bogus front sight holes and crown the bbl. Used a long Kraghaus scout scope mount which uses the existing sight holes, had a gunsmith add a third hole. The buttpad puts my eye exactly where it needs to be when I shoulder it. Added the wrist ammo carrier from when I hunted with a Ruger #1V. Short, handy and smooth. Krags are great rifles. I also have a 1899 Philippine Constabulary or school rifle and a 1896 Rifle. ‘Civilize ‘em with a Krag.’

[Texas by God]

Thanks! It’s too hot lately to mess with much. It is a Parts gun so I’m still working out the feeding. I put a lighter spring in for the trigger and stoned the surfaces and it helped a lot on the pull. Another good thing about a Krag is they are single fed easily.

[Mk42gunner]

I think your Krag looks fine. The important part that a lot of people miss is that the sights come to your eye when you shoulder the rifle.

You might try the 311284, it may cure your feeding ills.

Good job.

Robert

[Evoken]

Some really nice looking krags here. I have a 98 that was poorly sporterized many years ago. This has made me want to revitalize it. Where can you get a semi inlet stock for them anymore?

[JCM45]

Beautiful job! I inherited a sporterized 30 40 Krag from an uncle many years ago. Recently refinished the stock myself. Looks good, but yours is amazing.

[Texas by God]

Thank you so much, JCM45. Please send us pics of your Krag and welcome to our forum. I can’t wait to straighten out mine’s feeding problem but it’s a great single shot, too.
Evoken, I think possibly Boyd’s or Richards might be able to provide a semi inlettled stock for you

[JCM45]

Thanks Texas. here's a couple of pic's:
267455267456

[uscra112]

Macon lists a pretty good selection of sporter stocks for the various Krags.

https://www.macongunstocks.com/catalog-pricing-a-m.html

[Texas by God]

JCM, that looks great. I'm partial to that Redfield sight, too.
Thanks, uscra112 for the link!

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[mike britton]

I'm a bit late getting to this party, but I wanted to add my 2 cents about how much fun the Krags are to shoot.
Mine is a bit heavy at 8 1/2 pounds but that adds to the recoil mitigation!

JCM, that is a beautiful Krag!

[Ajohns]

Wow,very nice Krags!

[Texas by God]

Very nice, Mike. Is that a Williams receiver sight? I’ll be glad when I can get back to shooting mine.

[mike britton]

Texas by God,
Yes, that is a Williams 5D. There are more precise sights on the market, but that is what was on the rifle when I got it and it works well enough for hunting.
I think the barrel on my Krag is from a 1903A3. It doesn't look like any Krag barrel I've ever been around.

[Texas by God]

There's nothing wrong with a 5D, I've used several over the years on Mausers and lever actions. Does your barrel have two rifling grooves or four? That quarter rib with the folding sight is neat.

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[koger]

Thomas I had not kept up with this thread, great job overall and a real good looker. Like those lee cast boolit loads too!

[mike britton]

There's nothing wrong with a 5D, I've used several over the years on Mausers and lever actions. Does your barrel have two rifling grooves or four? That quarter rib with the folding sight is neat.

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I think it is four. I'm not sure, but I think two would be pretty obvious. The photo shows markings that were covered by the front sight during the build. Regardless, it's an accurate rifle!

[Texas by God]

Windy here but I had some fun at 40 yards. The top target is the 170 gr Lee fp 5 shots, and the bottom target is 180 gr Sierra 3 shots. I'm seeing potential as I get used to it. It actually has a nice trigger pull, and is fun to shoot. It will not feed the flat nose bullets from the magazine; I'm still adjusting that issue. It feeds Hornady ELD 220gr plastic tip the best
I hope that the pic is clear, my phone may need therapy.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210319/1b39b15005c85a137ebe6c51e684bb91.jpg

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[Texas by God]

Crazy mild 90 degrees here this evening; Soo, while I grilled some thighs to finish with bbq; I grabbed Custom Krag and a few Lee C309150F PC'd, sized with GC to .309"- over a not too peppy dose of Happy Trails, 3031( until we meet again)....I wasn't that pleased with my 2" 3 shot group at forty yards; but my Topo Chico boxes aren't clarity contrast enough blah,blah.
The 100 yard group, aiming at the "spirit" of the top nut of a junk metal tank produced the slightly high....
" now I'm pleased" 2" iron sights 3 shot group @100yds.
I'm really liking this full size rifle more as we get used to each other.
Please forgive my makeshift targets, they go to the scrap yard once the heavy sand and water get vented out. The other holes have other stories.
Thanks for listening. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210630/d80a785dfb1f2e531d9ba719c85e5a24.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210630/e879734783c0ae866a4b074ae997ffde.jpg

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[444ttd]

nice shootin!!!!

i've never used imr3031 in the krag. i use 25.5gr of h4198 with a 165gr ranch dog, but it will do rel7 and varget quiet nicely.

those old redfield/lyman aperture sights are amazing. i use them and williams fp sight for my win m94, mausers and krags.

[Texas by God]

Thanks, 444. Since I’m out of 3031 now, I’m going to try Varget ( got a bunch) and some slow burning powders( got a variety) for cast. I still like 4350 for jacketed bullets so far.

[uscra112]

By all accounts, Varget works exceedingly well in the Krag. One guy I usta know was using it for cast-bullet-military at Camp Perry.

[444ttd]

i tried varget on several rifles. i still have a 1/2 lb or so.

165gr ranch dog in 30-40 krag at 100 yards
https://i.imgur.com/xEA6Z29.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eqVnKIw.jpg?2

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Good shootin', 444ttd.

DG

[Texas by God]

444ttd, my very first group at 40 yards with Varget from the Krag was preciously close to one inch. It has my interest. I went easy route and used the Lee 2.5cc scoop- 34.2 grs and my C309150F sized/ GC.309" PC'd CCI primers.
I'll get some pics up soon when I try them some more.

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OK,
This load is going in the notebook. These 40 yard groups are encouraging in different light conditions.
It was too bright and hot to shoot at 100 yards today.
The trigger has a small hitch in it's getalong that is a little distracting but not bad. I'll see to that and the feeding problem which also doesn't bother me horribly. At close to nine pounds, I only target shoot with it so far.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210710/408798897f11f4dc51508caf5cacfd26.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210710/69482c2fe08c15cdf5ef7a24e2155ea3.jpg

[Texas by God]

Thanks to a member here for the cure of the feeding problem! I shot some rocks and driftwood today with the 170 Lee fp at 175grs/.309"/PC loaded with old 4350. The sandstone rocks exploded when hit most cooly.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210927/419e2a44d149ff82881d3e63a1ae92f1.jpg

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[uscra112]

Any of 'em good to eat?

[Texas by God]

A bit of roughage,for sure.
Now you have me thinking of Kragging some bullfrogs[emoji16]. If it will feed round ball loads, I'll be plum giddy.

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[Texas by God]

93 degrees and strong gusts of South wind, and two 3 shot 1" groups at 40 yards fired from the bench, barefoot with a cut trigger finger notwithstanding. It's a good load and a good rifle. It feeds "Krag smooth"- I had to check a couple of times and yes, the round had chambered! I opened the peep aperture a bit with a drill and it helps the sight picture for me a lot.

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[Der Gebirgsjager]

The cut finger probably made you squeeze the trigger carefully and not jerk it, but being barefoot....I'd have been worried about things nibbling my toes. Centipedes, scorpions, tarantulas, and things that slither. :D

DG

[uscra112]

One of the last living commercial buffalo hunters, Col Frank Mayer, wrote in the '30s that the buffalo shooters would sandpaper their trigger fingers to increase sensitivity.

Old Frank was an incredible guy. His Wiki entry doesn't begin to do him justice.

[GBertolet]

Has anyone done any trigger work on their Krags? I have two Krags, and all I have done so far is replace the return springs. An improvement, but still too heavy. I do see that Huber advertises a trigger, but have not heard any reviews on them. Are all of you just using the as issued trigger setup?

[uscra112]

Poster gnoaah has a Krag with a set trigger setup made by Hervey Lovell.

[quack1]

I drilled and tapped the sear for a setscrew to lighten the issue trigger. After adjusting, the trigger was not under full spring tension, so had to inlet a light spring with plunger under the trigger guard, to provide light rearward tension on the trigger to keep it from flopping around. This method can lead to a too light and unsafe sear engagement, so after adjusting the trigger, I vigorously apply a rubber hammer to the cocked striker and bolt and thump the butt of the gun on a carpeted floor a few times. Any release of the firing pin gets the trigger adjustment screw backed off a little, and the hammering and thumping repeated, until the adjustment is safe.
https://i.imgur.com/cRb5cD1m.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Q02kHSNm.jpg

[Texas by God]

Quack 1, we used to do a similar modification to Mauser triggers to bypass the two stage operation of the trigger. We would braze a nut on the trigger for the adjustment screw.

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[quack1]

That's where I got the idea.
Since the Krag action is case hardened, I expected the sear to be hardened and difficult to drill and tap. Surprisingly, it wasn't and drilled easily.

[NEKVT]

Great thread and rifle! Somehow I missed this when in progress. I have an 1898 Krag Sporter with a new Criterion barrel and kept the original stock but thinned out the grip somewhat and added a few coats of thinned TruOil over the original linseed. Cut the barrel to 20" and had a ramp attached up front for a Marbles bead. On the rear I went with a simple bolt mounted Rice sight to replace the Williams 5D I had JB Welded in place pre-Criterion. Worked up a quick hunting load last year with the Lee 200gr RN at about 2100 fps but haven't done any load refining since. Have yet to try the 311284 in the Criterion.

What did you do to get the 170gr FN to feed?

[Texas by God]

I removed the magazine cutoff early on to fit the Redfield sight. It fed nothing reliably except pencil sharp bullets like the Hornady A-max. I contemplated the situation,, couldn't figure it out,and tried polishing the feed ramp. I lost an online auction for all the magazine bits, grasping at a cure.
Out of nowhere a member here posted on another Krag related thread about how SOME Krags wouldn't feed correctly if the magazine cutoff was removed for the Redfield sight....So I removed the sight and reinstalled the cutoff. Voila! SO, I altered the cutoff to coexist with the Redfield by leaving the shaft in the reciever with a groove on the rear surface to engage the sight mounting flange.
I'm a big fan of the knowledge base on Castboolits.

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[Texas by God]

After checking it today, I will carry it to the blind for opening day of deer season. I’m going to use the Lee 170 gr flatnose sized .309” and PC’d over IMR 4350 going circa 1900 FPS. 125 yards is the longest shot from the blind so the irons will work.

[Uncle Grinch]

I just love to see these old milsurps put to good use, especially when used to harvest game. Please be sure to give a follow up harvest report.

[Texas by God]

Hopefully the next pic of it is with a deer.....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211108/a60398b985d0f00fd39953a8b08de7c3.jpg

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