Krag Collectors Association Forum

I am surprised nothing shows on the right side of the rifle. I wish the view was from a little higher.

When you look at the rectangular opening in the bolt body at about 3 or 4 o-clock you see metal pushed outward and behind it the firing pin has a severe dent where it looks like it pushed against the broken "window" in the bolt. Just seeing the left side I would think the strike was from the other side. With the right side a bullet strike would have to been just higher than the opening. It does not seem as likely now. A high velocity impact on the left side does not match what I would expect. Weird rebound, possible but I do not like it. Laws of physics always are good. In a high velocity impact different laws apply to different parts of the sequence. Not enough info here.

Thread title is exactly correct, "You do not see this every day."

FredC - There is never enough information!
A lot has been forgotten, buried, and maybe yet to be found out or 'rediscovered', about this Krag rifle.

I am happy to have run across and connected some aspects of this rifle's story.

I am surprised there is not more commentary from other KCA 'participants'. (This leaves me feeling kind of foolish and focused on very trivial stuff).

In respect to the damage to Krag #170493, much is probably related to the type of projectile and the velocity.

Remember, a lot of the Philippine insurgents were using an odd array of weapons and ammunition.

The bullet that struck this rifle could have been a .43 caliber Lead projectile, from a Rolling-Block, driven by homemade black powder, ignited by a used primer reloaded with match-head material!

Back when match heads actually worked. That hit might have saved some soldado's life.

I understand after the Spanish American War the US armed the friendly filipinos with black powder rifles as well — kind of a trust issue. There was also general push for larger calibers and shotguns for improved stopping power due to Moro/Juramentado suicide attacks.

Related Hollywood Movie (there’s lots of Krags in it)
The Real Glory(1939) with Gary Cooper
A small American contingent tries to train rural tribesmen to defend themselves against fanatical Muslim radicals in 1906 Philippines.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with your prime membership.