Newbie w Really butchered Krag

[Markt97213]

Hello from Oregon.
Before I go further I want to ask for kindness here
I have an 1896 Krag, with her barrel shortened to 24".
She has had the 1940s sporterizing (slimming) performed on her. I inherited this old girl, indirectly from my Grandfather who died when I was 6 mos old. Its always been in the back of the gun safe.
It appears to be about 80% completed.
Other that the cussing I know is coming, your thoughts?

[Ned Butts]

You didn't do it, "flat sides" are a kind of cool variation of sporterization. Enjoy it and think of your grandfather every time you take it out.

[Markt97213]

Thanx Ned.
I need to have the follower n mag spring attached and a latch for the door made.
I plan on huntin her.

ALSO of possible interest I have an original "How to remodel your Krag" article from Gunsmith Rex Bowen of Prescott, Az AND a letter from the editor of the American Rifle stating he wants to publish the article., dated Nov 5,1945.

[butlersrangers]

'Markt97213' - You won't get any negative comments here. We're jealous.

You have your Grandfather's Krag! It will be neat to complete his project.

Welcome to the KCA Forum.

In the 1920s and 1930s the flat magazine-door was popular on 'sportered' Krags.
The first photo shows a gunsmith approach that appeared in the American Rifleman.

The 2nd and 3rd photos show the approach of another company that offered flattened door components, named the Hart Arms Company.

[Markt97213]

Thank you.

Whats the date on the American Rifleman article?

Mark

[butlersrangers]

Markt97213 - I don't have the American Rifleman date, but I believe this conversion appears in the book, NRA Gunsmithing Guide (1971):
"Flush Magazine for Krag", by J.M. Pearson and J.C. Leigh, page 280. Copies are available on the internet, rather cheap.

Also, a couple of more views of the Hart (3-shot) flat magazine.

[butlersrangers]

In really spectacular form!

[Markt97213]

Beautiful

[Culpeper]

DEAR LORD! It is interesting. But DEAR LORD!

I say shoot the heck out of it even if you have to use it as a single shot. Your grand-dad I am certain would have wanted it used for its purpose of putting meat on the table. Modifying military guns was all the rage in both post war periods.

Do you have a family picture of him you could tape to the gun safe?

[Markt97213]

Culpepper,

Funny you should suggest shooting it as a single shot. I've had that thought on n off over the years, and just again yesterday. I ordered dies n brass, they're shipping as we speak.
I will load some rounds and she will speak again soon.

Sadly I do not have any pictures of my Grandfather.

I am going to finish this rifle and will hunt with her.
Mark