Krag Collectors Association Forum

How often were Norwegian 1912 carbines produced in 7x57 calibre?

Most likely your Norwegian Krag was altered commercially in North America, at a time when 6.5X55mm ammunition was very uncommon.

It would be wise to do a chamber cast, because the head diameter of the 6.5mmX55mm cartridge-case is larger in diameter than the 7X57mm cartridge-case.

The barrel would have to be set-back one thread, to properly re-bore and re-chamber for the smaller diameter case.

Your Krag, #27510, was likely built in 1924, as a model 1912 carbine in 6.5X55mm caliber. (Caution - Norwegian barrels have a left-hand thread).

Thank you for the prompt reply. It is indeed stamped "1924" with Kongsberg marks and has had the stock 'sporterized'. I will do a more exact measurement of the barrel length, a chamber cast will take a little longer.

Oldcastle - I forgot my manners! Welcome to the KCA forum.

I could be wrong, but, I think your Krag has some added markings. The crowned 'S' on the barrel almost looks like a Sako (of Finland) marking.
Clear 'close-up' pictures of the circled marks might give a clue as to where the conversion work was done.

Attached is a photo of how your Krag originally appeared.

Thank you - glad to be here.
The rifle is not mine - yet. Negotiations are under way
Here is the top view showing the marks better.
The action is smooth and the general condition is quite good.
The obvious drawback is that the original sights are gone. I doubt if what is left of the rear mount will allow easy restoration.

Well, I am now a Krag owner. The serial numbers match and the barrel is 24 inches long. Now I just have to figure out exactly what this one actually shoots, given the comments about the conversion to 7x57.

It's worth noting Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk converted many M1894 and M1912 krags to 8mm Mauser, and some, although few, were converted to 7x57 and a proprietary 8x54mm Krag-Jørgensen cartridge. However the markings do indicate it was a Sako conversion, probably done in the late 50s once the rifles were sold off.

Nice Krag, one thing to keep in mind is the Krag's action strength, no where near that of the Swedish Mauser, now the Norwegian Krag is stronger than the American Krag generally as the guide rib and foreward locking lug both bear on the receiver and use the bolt handle as a safety lug. After verifying the chambering with some Cerrosafe chamber cast I would likely check the headpace with a no go gauge as this is a rimless cartridge and proper headspace is more important.
Then after everything checks out including a inspection of the bolt for cracks I wouldn't shoot full power 7x57, likely reducing the loads to less than 45 thousand.
Now that is just a safety reccomendation, as I'm not a gunsmith or an expert so no liability here as there is much that can be overlooked.