Krag- who has one, who shoots it?

[FL-NC]

I have a unmodified 30-40 US Krag carbine I picked up about 15 years ago. I have never fired it or any other Krag. I was thinking about getting some ammo for it and firing it, and depending on how it does, maybe using it to kill a deer this fall. Just because. I found some ammo online to do this with. I'll have to do some research to learn how to adjust the iron sight, etc. I would use it on a smaller plot normally set up for early season bow hunting, so the shot wouldn't be more than 50-60 yards or so. Should I do it?

 

[Ks5shooter]

I have one and shot it many years ago.Haven't shot it recently and never hunted with it.

 

[bihj]

I have the scandinavian version, made many a range trip with it. My son has the US version, hunts with it every year. Shoots to point of aim with 180 grain roundnose ammo.

 

[AlexanderA]

I have 3 Krags (rifle models 94 - 96 - 98) and I haven't shot them in at least 40 years (if at all - I can't remember if I ever shot them). My goal is to keep them as pristine as possible.

 

[MEHavey]

Only rifles that shoot -- and shoot accurately w/ cast -- are interesting
(w/ apologies to TW)

 

[horsey300]

I have a unmodified 30-40 US Krag carbine I picked up about 15 years ago. I have never fired it or any other Krag. I was thinking about getting some ammo for it and firing it, and depending on how it does, maybe using it to kill a deer this fall. Just because. I found some ammo online to do this with. I'll have to do some research to learn how to adjust the iron sight, etc. I would use it on a smaller plot normally set up for early season bow hunting, so the shot wouldn't be more than 50-60 yards or so. Should I do it?

Do it, my grandpa's krag can still flatten deer and pronghorn any day and I ask a lil more out of it than your hunting style would. The killing power will surprise you, it's far underrated in that regard. Grandpa's has a side mounted scope in need of replacement but it is an absolute joy to shoot, one of my first deer rifles and I've taken several critters with it over the years, the farthest tracking job lasted 1.5 minutes (eta she did a death run into some taller alfalfa and didn't have the courtesy to keep her tail up for us lol she was 5 yards when I shot and not more than 30 when we finally found her). Now that I handload, (wasn't back then) I'm thinking I should get it back out, get some dies and run some 180ish ssts through it for more awesomeness, just haven't used it in awhile cuz ammo is scarce locally.

 

[entropy]

Sight adjustment is a standard for the era ladder sight. You push the button on the right hand side, (squeeze the button in while holding the other side of the sight) and set to the yardage desired from 300 to 600. the lowest setting is 0-300 yards. You can also raise the ladder (pull it up 90 degrees), and adjust the bar for 700 to 1800 yards. Keep in mind this was for volley fire at distant formations. It will not be accurate. The front sight is punch-driftable for windage.

Yes, definitely take that Krag out hunting! I hunt with my Mosins, and use loads I worked up for hunting with them. Keep us posted on load selection and hunt results!

 

[Jeff olson]

View attachment 931991 My one and only. Unmolested and unmodified 1898 saddle ring carbine. Not sure how many originals are left. Don't think I will ever shoot it for fear of breaking something.

 

[tark]

That looks to be fairly high conditioned. And quite valuable..... but shooting it now and then won't hurt its value. Modifying it in any way would, but it sounds like you intend to keep it original. Good for you.

 

[tark]

There were roughly 36,000 1899 carbines produced, with minor variations in rear sights, handguards, and other small parts. I see one up for auction at Cowans and the estimated bid is $1500-2500. It looks to be in worse shape than yours. You have a fantastic piece of history there.

Do you have this book? If not, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll send you a copy. This book is considered to be THE definitive authority on all Krag rifles worldwide. I have two copies and they were both given to me, so call it an early Christmas present. I'll pay shipping.

 

[Jeff olson]

There were roughly 36,000 1899 carbines produced, with minor variations in rear sights, handguards, and other small parts. I see one up for auction at Cowans and the estimated bid is $1500-2500. It looks to be in worse shape than yours. You have a fantastic piece of history there.

Do you have this book? If not, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll send you a copy. This book is considered to be THE definitive authority on all Krag rifles worldwide. I have two copies and they were both given to me, so call it an early Christmas present. I'll pay shipping.

That would be very kind of you. However, I have to give you something for it.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I have shot a 150lb swine with a friends sporterized Krag. It was a pleasant shooter and I like the fact that medium speed 180 gr bullets are a standard loading. That bullet will through and through on any medium size game. My example was nicely sporterized and was missing the military sight in favor of a Lyman receiver sight.

Your setup should be really good out to the range you specify.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I have a very end of production 1902 example of the Model 1898 Rifle. I have shot it a bit with commercial 180 gr loadings, but they are definitely not my preference. Eventually, I will load some correct performance 220 gr at 2000 fps to match the service ammunition.

 

[Jeff olson]

There were roughly 36,000 1899 carbines produced, with minor variations in rear sights, handguards, and other small parts. I see one up for auction at Cowans and the estimated bid is $1500-2500. It looks to be in worse shape than yours. You have a fantastic piece of history there.

Do you have this book? If not, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll send you a copy. This book is considered to be THE definitive authority on all Krag rifles worldwide. I have two copies and they were both given to me, so call it an early Christmas present. I'll pay shipping.

I believe there were about 5000 1898 saddle ring carbines made. Many were converted to 1899 and 1902 standards from what I understand.

 

[bannockburn]

I have shot a number of Krags, many moons ago, when they were much more prevalent. Loved working that smooth bolt and getting the rounds to feed out of the magazine! I still have one which I reconditioned but haven't done anything with it in years. Will get around to it one of these days.

 

[mustanger98]

What I'm wondering is, considering the sights being set up for 220gr/2000fps with the 300yd zero, how does the more modern 180gr load differ POA/POI/trajectory?

I'm thinking the 180gr commercial ammo was designed thinking of a sporter with a scope 1.5" above the bore axis.

I'm reasonably sure either type round will do the job... if they're used with the right sight system.

 

[db_tanker]

managed to find one that was sporterized but then started to do some research...it is allegedly a spare receiver, built by either the CMP or the NRA(?!) with a 1903 barrel.

Regardless...its a shooter...and I love it.

It likes heavy, slow bullets...jacketed or lead.

 

[Scott C.]

I have one. Do not shoot it much do to lack of ammo. Shoot the 03 and 1917 more but the krag is easier on the shoulder.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I have a unmodified 30-40 US Krag carbine I picked up about 15 years ago. I have never fired it or any other Krag. I was thinking about getting some ammo for it and firing it, and depending on how it does, maybe using it to kill a deer this fall. Just because. I found some ammo online to do this with. I'll have to do some research to learn how to adjust the iron sight, etc. I would use it on a smaller plot normally set up for early season bow hunting, so the shot wouldn't be more than 50-60 yards or so. Should I do it?

They are smooth, accurate, and plenty powerful to take down most NA game at medium range. As youve no doubt discovered factory ammo is $$$.
Be careful with the front sight base, it is soldered on and nearly impossible to reattach if knocked off. Thats why you see so many Krags wearing '03 Springfield front sights now.

 

[tark]

Here's a Krag for ya'all. This is an 1892 Krag carbine. The Army made two of these, as prototypes, and lost one. This one is the only surviving example. Jeff, you will find this gun on page 60. It currently resides in the Rock Island Arsenal Museum and that is where I am holding it. The receiver is stamped 1894, serial# 1015. Why is it called an 1892 carbine? Beats me....

 

[dh1633pm]

I have two of them. One is an NRA cut off model and the other a complete rifle. Love shooting them both. Smooth is the word.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

Killed my 1st deer with one when I was 14. I’m 64 now and still have the rifle. One of the smoothest bolt action rifles I’ve ever used.

 

[someguy2800]

I took a buck with my heavily sporterized example last fall. Mine is the most fickle rifle I have ever seen as far as loads and point of impact, but when your on a node is shoots very well. Less than 2” at 100 yards. Original barrel.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I have an unmodified 94 rifle and a modified 96 carbine. The rifle is inaccurate. The carbine is minute of clay pigeon at my 130 yard pond dam.
If you have 308 dies. You can neck size 30-40 brass and use the seater to seat the bullets.
I did this until I found an old herters die set.
Imr4064 is a very good choice for it.

 

[DocRock]

I have several; one seemingly unmolested 1898 rifle, one alleged but dubious 1896 carbine, and one sporter that I shoot in 200 yard competition. I have several other rifles chambered in 30-40, including a Miroku made "Browning" 1895 that I also compete with. They all love the Lyman 311284 210grs gas check over 23 grs IMR4227. Would feel confident out to 200 yards with iron sights for deer or elk with that load. The 180 grs Remington CoreLokts will also do the needful. Enjoy.