U.S. Krag Match Rifle?

[TheHappyGunner]

An idea came to me recently about building a match gun, specifically out of an old Krag rifle. I've been an active competitor at my local CMP high-power matches and have competed with my 30" Krag. I don't do too well because my rifle's barrel is heavily pitted.. I just go to have a good time!

Krag's have quickly become my favorite military surplus rifles, and I'd like to continue in competitive shooting sports. So here's my idea:

1) Find an old Krag that's ugly and cut up (but has not been drilled and tapped) and buy it for cheap. Must have good quality metal, not scratched or dinged too severely.

2) Replace the barrel with a new Criterion barrel (http://criterionbarrels.com/3040-krag), and replace the cut-down stock with a new production stock.

3) Re-blue all of the metal, put a 1901 style sight on it, possibly free-float the barrel and glass-bed the action

Now.. I know this all may be expensive, but I have the funds to finish such a project. What I want to know is: would it be worth the time and money for it? I.E., would the finished rifle be as accurate as I hope to make it and would it be legal for CMP service rifle competitions? Why or why not? Would the overall performance of the .30-40 cartridge be appropriate for such a build?

I'm not a fan of altering original rifles, this is why I plan on using as many reproduction parts as I can. Just looking for some opinions and advice on this idea, whatever they may be.

 

[Laphroaig]

Happy,

First, check out the CMP rulebook:

http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf

Your alterations would definitely take it out of the Vintage Military classification. As I read the rules, Krags are not one of the allowable rifles for a CMP Service rifle in their sanctioned matches. Give it a read (Section 6.2) and see if you agree. Its likely you would have to compete as a NRA Match rifle in matches where they are allowed.

As for accuracy, I've witnessed Krags do quite well in the Vintage matches.

Laphroaig

 

[peacemaker45]

Pretty sure the Krag and 03 are already out for service rifle, and are classed as match rifles, unless there's a vintage division. Service Rifles these days are limited to Garands, M14/M1As, and M16/AR-15s, and they are pretty thoroughly limited as to what smithing can be done.

 

[peacemaker45]

Oh, and Laphroaig: slainte mhath!

 

[Laphroaig]

Go raibh maith agat!

 

[dprice3844444]

thg,some cmp shoots do not permit glass bedding.as far as free floating the barrel,rifles in full military attire like krags,03's,etc,according to reports,group better with upward pressure on the front of the barrel area.

 

[rskent]

Sounds like a fun project.

I would check with my local match director on whether he would let me shoot it in competition. It seems to me that the worst case scenario would be classifying it as a “match” rifle. But so what, it would still be fun to shoot.