Page 1 of 1

Krag in 6.5x54 MS

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:24 pm
by Sunshineboys
I see one for sale here. Just curious. Completely sported. Rear sight and front sight are not original and a butt pad has been added. This cartridge…..were any built in that or was it rebarreled? Dave
IMG_1220.jpeg
IMG_1220.jpeg (74.51 KiB) Viewed 3173 times

Re: Krag in 6.5x54 MS

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 3:02 pm
by butlersrangers
Kind of neither! ... These altered Norwegian Krags 'happened' in Canada.

Actually, the original Norwegian (left-hand thread) barrel was removed and shortened at the breech-end.
The chamber was 'altered' to fit the shorter 6.5X54 mm M-S cartridge and the modified barrel was reinstalled.

This was likely done by, or for, a Canadian importer/sporting goods retailer, in the 1950s or 1960s.

Back in that era, 6.5X54 mm M-S ammunition was manufactured by Dominion (Canadian Industries Limited).
6.5X55 mm 'Swedish' ammunition was not so widely known or available in North America.

Re: Krag in 6.5x54 MS

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 3:41 pm
by Sunshineboys
Thanks. I just found it interesting. I will likely pass as ammo is darned expensive. Dave

Re: Krag in 6.5x54 MS

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 5:58 pm
by waterman
The M-S cartridge diameter is observably and measurably less than the 6.5x55 at all locations from case head to shoulder. Seems to me that altering the barrel required more than just cutting off the breech end and re-cutting the threads. Would they have reamed out the chamber and put in a chambered insert?

If something like that came my way, I'd have to think about it. Definitely odd, and far more interesting as a shooter than an M-S.

Re: Krag in 6.5x54 MS

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:41 pm
by Bernt
The afformentioned Canadian company chambered Norwegian Krags in .308 Win and 6,5x54MS. As mentioned 6,5x55 ammo wasn't common. I think only Norma sold it at the time.
3b7e9aeb85833596642eac3d5f5a98b18f0e4994.jpeg
3b7e9aeb85833596642eac3d5f5a98b18f0e4994.jpeg (594.88 KiB) Viewed 3122 times
Here's a couple of threads about these conversions.
www.gunboards.com/threads/6-5x55-ms-nor ... st-2924401
https://kragcollectorsassociation.org/k ... 3&start=10

Re: Krag in 6.5x54 MS

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:24 pm
by scottz63
Nice prices. Lol