My CMP Krag

[rodentrancher]

A few months ago, I bought a Krag from the CMP (what they call the "RKRAGX" varient, the least likely to have been "field modified"). I just got around to taking it apart, cleaning it a bit, putting it back together, and shooting it. I thought folks here might be interested in what I found.

(Note: I know that the general consensus is that the CMP Krags are quite overpriced for what they are. But I had really good luck with the 1903 and M1917 I ordered from CMP, getting rifles much nicer than the CMP grade description indicated. So I decided to gamble on a CMP Krag. You can look over the pics and decide how my bet worked out.)

The rifle is a Model 1898. From the serial number it was made in 1900. As near as I can tell all parts except the rear sight and handguard are original.

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rifle right side 2.jpg (122.71 KiB) Viewed 5240 times

The rear sight and handguard appear to be the 1901 models. According to Joe Poyer's book, the 1901 sights were refitted to 1898 Krags still in service in the early 1900s, so I guess these can still be considered as "correct":

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Unfortunately, the windage adjustment seems to be frozen - at least I can't get it to budge with the amount of force I'm willing to apply to the sight, even after liberal use of penetrating oil. Luckily, shooting showed the sights to be more or less on target for windage.

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[rodentrancher]

There is a surprising amount of finish left on the barrel and smaller metal parts, and the screw slots are in very good shape, except for a slightly buggered slot on the lower barrel band:

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There is essentially no finish left on the receiver, and the left side (oddly, only the left side) is quite "freckled" with rust:

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The stock has plenty of dings, scrapes, and small chips, but no crack or repairs. Unfortunately, the area around the cartouche is especially rough:

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The stock proof mark and inspector's stamp are in better shape:

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[rodentrancher]

The buttplate is in pretty good shape:

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Alas, no cleaning rod or oiler.

I wasn't able to get any good pictures of the bore - but I would describe it as "average for a milsurp rifle". Dark, and what optimists like to call "frosted" (lots of very small pits), but "strong" rifling and no apparent throat erosion.

I loaded up some starting loads of 3031 behind Sierra 180 grain round nose bullets and spent some time at the range. Here's a target from the bench at 100 yards:

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About a 7 inch "group". Not great, but at least no keyholes and the rounds are all on the paper. To be fair, a lot of that group size may be my fault. The "Buffington" iron sights and 70 year old eyes with early stage cataracts are not the best combination. When I have time, I may (temporarily) mount a Kraghaus rail and a scout scope to see what happens to the group size.

I also loaded up the magazine and ran 5 rounds "rapid fire" through the rifle as fast as I could. No feed issues, perfect functioning.

[butlersrangers]

'Rodentrancher' - With your m-1901 rear-sight 'off' of the rifle, place the left-side of the sight base on a wood block.
A slight downward tap to the right-side of the windage-lever, with a plastic or brass headed hammer, should rotate the lever slightly to the 'released' position.
It is likely just stuck from years of tension and dried grease and oil.
The 1901 sight is robust and not made of glass.

Congratulations on your nice looking U.S. Model 1898 Krag rifle.

Original U.S. Krag rod and oiler sets are available from Granpa's Gun Parts for $59.95. (There is a link in the KCA 'classifieds').

[rodentrancher]

Great info Butlersrangers, thank you!

[psteinmayer]

Bring her out next year to Camp Perry for the reinstated Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Match!!!

[smithpa68]

Hi Rodentrancher. I too have a CMP Krag. My rifle's condition is slightly, just slightly better than yours. Same sights. My barrel also looked dark with some pitting. I didn't think my rifling was great but surprisingly it shoots much better than it looks.

Not to turn this into a reloading thread, but I had pretty good success with my Krag using a Hornady 180 Round Nose with H4350. It is possible 3031 might burn a little fast for that long 30 inch barrel. H4350 is a bit slower should give it a more gentle, longer push down that long pipe. My Sierra manual even lists their Accuracy Load for the 30-40Krag using IMR4350 (at 2200 fps) which close in burn rate to H4350. I didn't run my Hornady bullet to 2200, I used 2100fps.

I love getting this old rifle to the range. It is always a conversation starter. Attached target is the NRA SR-C target center shot at 200 yards.

Just some thoughts from a new guy on the board.

[butlersrangers]

Smithpa68 - Nice 200 yard Krag group!

Old U.S. Krag rifles and carbines are fun.

[rodentrancher]

Hi Rodentrancher . . .
Not to turn this into a reloading thread, but I had pretty good success with my Krag using a Hornady 180 Round Nose with H4350. It is possible 3031 might burn a little fast for that long 30 inch barrel.

Good point. While I don't have any H4350 on hand, I do have some IMR 4350 - I'll have to give that a try.

[Whig]

Also, keep in mind that the Krag rifle was developed around the 220 grain round nose bullet. Many of us Krag lovers who reload find the original load to be quite accurate and function well in our Krags. Just something to keep in mind if you want to experiment with different bullets and loads. Any Krag shooting is fun!