Magazine door wants to close

[KRAGKRAZY64]

Thanks, I will look into it.

[Mike4MSU]

KragKrazy - Welcome to KCA.

These magazines can be touchy if everything isn't installed just right.

This short video is one of the simplist I found to show dis-assembly and re-assembly of the Krag magazine, assuming that all of the parts are undamaged.

Check this out and see if it helps you get yours working again.

If not, something may be damaged or broken.

Good luck!

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=replacing+the ... fb3jSrkdeM

Thanks Whig! Wasn’t sure how to remove the door assembly.

[butlersrangers]

Occasionally, you will find a U.S. Krag that has the 'wrong' (model) magazine-gate on it.
There is usually no telling when, why, and who made the change. (It certainly wasn't done by Springfield Armory).

The 'wrong' gate may work, but, there are subtle differences between most model 1896 and model 1898 parts.

Attached photos show the 'boxy' model 1898 gate and the more 'streamlined' model 1896 Magazine-Gate.
(The model 1896 gate just happens to be installed on a model 1898 action, by parties unknown).

[KRAGKRAZY64]

My follower spring does not have a groove in it where it presses against the loading gate, it almost looks polished flat on that surface.
The front of the spring, where it bears against the follower pivot looks OK compared to the pictures.
The rear of the spring does not push up against the back of its slot when the gate are out of the gun. I am assuming when the spring is installed and compressed it grows longer and pushes against the rear of its slot in the gate.
You mentioned having an 1896 gate instead of an 1898, how do I tell the difference?
Thanks.

[KRAGKRAZY64]

Opp! I just saw you picture of the 1896 gate with the curved edges, sorry about that. mine definitely has a curved edge in the back.

[KRAGKRAZY64]

I got out my radius gage set and the rear radius on my gate looks to be R. 3/8".
It is a full 90 degree radius not a partial radius.

[butlersrangers]

Get a replacement spring. That shallow groove assists in providing friction to hold the gate 'open'.

If your spring has been highly polished in that area, to the point that the groove is gone, I think you have found the problem.

[KRAGKRAZY64]

I contacted Grapdpa's Gun Parts and sent him some pictures of my loading door and follower spring.
He says I have an 1898 door and maybe I should try a follower spring, so I've sent for one.
Looking back at some of the posts it looks like the groove in my follower on the back of the follower spring was ground off, which is probably why the gate isn't holding open.
When I get the new spring I will install it and let you all know how it works.
Thanks.

[butlersrangers]

Sounds like a good plan!

FWIW - Top photo shows a direct comparison of 1896 (on left) and 1898 Magazine-Gates, viewed from the top.

The bottom two photos show the pronounced radius of an 1896 gate, which was incorrectly put on an 1898 action.

[KRAGKRAZY64]

Buttlersranges:

I checked with Grandpa's Gun Parts.
He confirmed that I have a proper 1898 loading door.
He sent me a replacement follower spring.
It looked pretty much like the one that was in the gun and worked like it too.
In other word, the door will not stay open in the least.

Could you post another picture, a bottom view with the stock removed, and the door fully open?
That way I could see how the spring and the cam on the follower pivot interact when the door is being held open.
that is the point where I am having my problems.

Thanks much.