Fixing a Krag follower
Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2021 2:19 pm
In the past year, I have repaired two model 1898 Krag follower-arm assemblies.
The first problem - Follower carrier-arm assembly was occasionally dragging and hanging-up on the floor of the magazine box, causing feed issues.
(I concluded that the carrier-arm and its pivot end were overly worn or bent, which caused a slight misalignment).
The second problem - An unusual effort was required to open the magazine-gate. The gate closed with a violent & loud 'snap'.
(Inspection revealed the cam on the follower carrier-arm and the tip of the spring showed wear and galling).
To 'improve' magazine function, I obtained a pair of model 1898 Follower Carrier-arms from "Grandpa's Gun Parts", (Priced at just over $11.00, each). I also bought a used follower-arm Spring off of eBay.
The follower carrier-arm assembly is taken apart by driving the small pin 'out', from the bottom.
To re-assemble, insert the pin by hand, taking care to align the polished contour of the top end of the pin with the radius of the follower. Drive the pin 'home' using a plastic or copper mallet.
A light Bicycle grease on the follower carrier-arm pivot & cam and the Spring's tip & contact surfaces, improves function and reduces wear and galling.
Both Krags function fine, now. Replacing just the follower carrier-arm was cheaper than buying a whole assembly.
(Photos showing cam & spring galling and pin removal):
The first problem - Follower carrier-arm assembly was occasionally dragging and hanging-up on the floor of the magazine box, causing feed issues.
(I concluded that the carrier-arm and its pivot end were overly worn or bent, which caused a slight misalignment).
The second problem - An unusual effort was required to open the magazine-gate. The gate closed with a violent & loud 'snap'.
(Inspection revealed the cam on the follower carrier-arm and the tip of the spring showed wear and galling).
To 'improve' magazine function, I obtained a pair of model 1898 Follower Carrier-arms from "Grandpa's Gun Parts", (Priced at just over $11.00, each). I also bought a used follower-arm Spring off of eBay.
The follower carrier-arm assembly is taken apart by driving the small pin 'out', from the bottom.
To re-assemble, insert the pin by hand, taking care to align the polished contour of the top end of the pin with the radius of the follower. Drive the pin 'home' using a plastic or copper mallet.
A light Bicycle grease on the follower carrier-arm pivot & cam and the Spring's tip & contact surfaces, improves function and reduces wear and galling.
Both Krags function fine, now. Replacing just the follower carrier-arm was cheaper than buying a whole assembly.
(Photos showing cam & spring galling and pin removal):