Seeking advise: Krag-Jorgenson in .257 Roberts.

[priv8ter]

Went to the local gun store today, just to look around. The owner is more into gunsmithing than retail, but they will order anything you want, and they usually have a few things in stock.

I explained to the nice gentleman behind the counter what I was looking for...a possible deer gun for my wife. See the thread here for the fine search the folks on The High Road have given me: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76744

He thought for a few seconds, and said he had something in .257 Roberts that might fit the bill for me.

I didn't immediately recognize what he handed me, but the tag said Krag-Jorgenson. I recognized the Krag name from .30-40 Krag, but had to admit that I knew nothing about the rifle itself. But, it did feel like a light, handy gun that might work nice for a first deer rifle for my wife.

I'm not going to lie...the wood looked like it had been around the block a few times, but, the barrel looked good. The only mark on the barrel that I could see was a small .257 on the front of the reciever. The rifle was fitted with some kind of unidentifiable(by me) fixed 4X scope. The gun store was asking $350 for it.

I came home and did a little research, and as near as I can tell it was either a sporterized Krag rifle, or a rebarreled Krag Carbine. Not sure which.

The gentleman at the gun shop said it was as nice of an action as was ever put on a gun.

So, just what did I stumble upon, and is it something that might meet my requirements as a starter deer rifle for my wife?

greg

 

[only1asterisk]

Krags are wonderful rifles, but I would be wary of this one. How sure are you that it's a 257 Roberts? If it's a US krag in 257 Roberts I wouldn't buy. The Krag magazine is cartridge specific. If it's a Norwegian Krag it may be worth a second look.
Various 30-40 wildcats were popular and 25 Krags of all sorts were among the most common. Different gunsmiths had different reamer made so none of them interchange.

Just FYI the krag is the smoothest bolt action of all time, I love mine. Pressures need to be kept moderate, Krags lack the mauser actions safety lug. You really need a GOOD gunsmith to check it out for you.

Know what you got before you buy.



David

 

[Preacherman]

As only1* has pointed out, if the Krag has been re-barreled from its original .30-40 caliber, I'd pass on this one. Also the price is rather too high for a sporterized antique... I'd be hesitant to go much above $250 for that rifle. In its original caliber, sure: but sporterized by who knows who, and with an unknown pedigree - I suggest you pass.

 

[mete]

It wouldn't make sense to redo the Krag to 257R oberts since the Krag is rimmed , but many Krags were redone to a popular wildcat the 25 Krag. In that rifle max pressures are about 40,000 psi so you would get ballistics equivalent to the 250 savage.

 

[priv8ter]

Ouch

Well, three strikes and you're out, so I guess it's a good plan to pass on this one. I kind of felt that way already...it's hard to get excited over something when you don't know what it is.

greg