How should Krag metal look?

U.S. Military Krags
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butlersrangers
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How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

Our U.S. Krag rifles range in age from 119 to 128 years. Each Krag has had an individual and varied history of use, environmental exposure, and human treatment, care, alteration or neglect.

It is likely that most Krag rifles and carbines, underwent some type of official repair and refurbishment, during a rather lengthy period of service and storage.

An owner will often wonder if a Krag is displaying its first (original) finish or if his U.S. Krag was subjected to an Arsenal/Armory refinish?

Given the fragile nature of the finishes used on Krag parts and the harsh treatment the arms were often subjected to, I find it rather tricky and hard to be certain.
(Frequently, the 'verdict' of various evaluators' seems colored by conflicting views, knowledge and opinions).

FWIW: I've attached some photos of Krags that I own. I think it likely they have all undergone refinishing at the Armory or at an Arsenal.

Two of the actions shown are rather dull black inside the magazine. I believe those were likely Armory/Arsenal refinished.
The other two Krags pictured, I'm not so sure.

My general thinking:

If the rust browned parts are a strong blue, the extractor retains a rich 'flame' blue and the receiver, magazine-gate & side-plate have a dull 'blackened' appearance, I think this is very likely it is an Armory/Arsenal refinish.

If a Krag has strong blue colors and the receiver has discrete mottled colors or is turning 'silvery', I think it likely a Krag may be displaying the first original finish.

When wear and exposure have thinned the various finishes and the parts and colors take on a patina, I find it much harder to have a certain opinion.
If the wood and metal have a nice "been together a long time look", I don't really worry too much. It looks "honest".

Fortunately, it is usually very obvious when a Krag has been abused, messed with, or improperly refinished.

Protected nooks and crannies of the receiver often preserve colors, blacking, and give clues about a Krag's last metal finish.
As 'Whig' has stated, pictures don't always reveal things accurately.
Direct examination and the human eye can pick up subtle clues that the camera misses.

It is a wonderful aspect of the KCA Forum that we have a chance to view and share views of our Krag rifles & carbines, as well as experience and opinions.
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butlersrangers
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

Back in July 2022, 'Wagon Mike' shared pictures of his gorgeous Board of Ordnance & Fortifications rifle.

His photographs give a good glimpse of the appearance and colors of a U.S. Krag in new condition.
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butlersrangers
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

An Armory or Arsenal 'Rebuilt' rifle is a pretty thing to see, but it doesn't rival a U.S. Krag in 'new' condition.

I took the stock off the newly acquired "model 1894 modified to model 1896", today.
It is an amazing feeling, when you realize, you are the first person to field strip a rifle in 120 years!

This rifle has been well stored over the years. The metal was protected with a heavy coat of cosmoline.
The early preservative has fortunately kept the consistency of Vaseline.
Outside of a couple of small areas of surface rust on the edge of the butt-plate and some freckling on the bolt-knob, this 'rebuild' is free of rust.

Some shallow pits on the outside bottom of the barrel, suggests the original 'used' barrel was left on this Krag receiver, when the rifle was refurbished.

I think the stock was likely steamed to remove minor dents prior to being scraped. This might explain the old 'acceptance cartouche' being an "Outie".
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butlersrangers
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

More model 1894 Krag modified to model 1896 pictures:
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butlersrangers
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

More parts:
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FredC
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by FredC »

Thanks Br,
We get used to 100+ year old patina and an unused museum grade Krag looks unnatural. My first reaction is someone screwed up by polishing and bluing it. Maybe not.

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butlersrangers
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

I am 'bumping' this thread because a new member has questions about how the finish looked on the various Krag parts,
when rifles and carbines left Springfield Armory.

Of course, Krags looked a bit different if they were "brand new" or if subjected to "rebuild", aka IRAN, (inspect and repair as needed).
It is likely that most U.S. Krags went through updates and some type of 'overhaul', when returned to the Armory/Arsenal/or Depot, between 1894 to 1920.

Opinions will likely vary about whether a really pristine looking Krag is 'Armory New' or a 'fresh looking rebuild'.

Attached photos show some nice metal colors - New or arsenal refurbish? I don't know, but I like it!
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P0H0
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by P0H0 »

Thanks for bumping this BR.

I can definitely see color on some of the the case hardened parts — buttplate cap, safety... I am checking with Tyler Gun Works to see if they can do the case hardening, niter bluing, rust bluing, blackened screws, and polished parts — probably only temper the new front sight bases. I may have the metal prepared here and shipped to Tyler Gun Works for the finish. I’d then finish the stock myself and have a gunsmith locally I know add the barrels and front sights.

Case-hardened:
Bolt Sleeve
Buttplate cap
Safety lock
Side plate
Gate
Carrier
Follower
Receiver
Cocking piece
Sear
Trigger
Cut-off spindle

Tempered:
Buttplate cap spring and pin
Ejector
Extractor
Front sight
Hinge bar
Striker

Browned(rust blued):
Barrel
Buttplate
Hinge bar head

Niter blued:
Bands
Swivels
Trigger guard
Cut-off

Blacked in oil:
Screws

Polished:
Bolt
Underside of cut-off finger piece
Bolt runways in receiver
Muzzle

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butlersrangers
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by butlersrangers »

Krag restorations can be like boats .... deep holes we pour money into.

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P0H0
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Re: How should Krag metal look?

Post by P0H0 »

Yeah, I’m not too sure Case Hardening is going to work or look decent — still researching it all. I think the receiver would pickup a lot of browns through the process and look like a mess. I don’t think the receiver should be blued though — even though I understand some arsenal jobs may have done that.

So, I may opt to do as BR suggests and leave the case hardened parts as is. I’ll clean them up in the ultrasonic and scrub the grime off though.

In this scenario, I will focus on the bottom part of the Mallory list and leave the rest as is. But will it look good?

Browned(rust blued):
Barrel
Buttplate
Hinge bar head

Niter blued:
Bands
Swivels
Trigger guard
Cut-off

Blacked in oil:
Screws

Polished:
Bolt
Underside of cut-off finger piece
Bolt runways in receiver
Muzzle

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