My Springfield

[Q-tip]

This was my Great grandfather's rifle he used in the war. It has an 1898 Springfield Armory stamp on it, but the cartouche stamp says 1903. After looking up the serial number, which is in the mid 400,000's, it has been determined that it was actually not made until 1907 or so. The exact model is Krag Jorgensson. The fold down door on the right side there unfolds, you drop 5 loose rounds in there and then cycle through them with the bolt action.

When my dad saw this rifle before I was born, he asked my great grandfather if he could refinish the stock for him. 'Sure' he said. When it was done, he went to give it back, and was told to keep it. So he stuck it in a closet, ear marked for his son who had yet to be born. For 20 years it stayed in that closet, and after I got it, it stayed in a different closet for 19 more years. A few months ago, I took it to a gunsmith to have it cleaned up. He checked all the actions and safeties, and even fired a test round through it, which I did not expect. Shortly after, I ordered some 30-40 Krag ammo online ($26 for a box of 20)

This rifle is amazing. It has very little kick, and even sounds smooth when you shoot it. It is SO smooth and SO accurate, that it has become my new favorite weapon. At 100 yards, I put 3 out of my 6 shots in the black, about the size of a grapefruit.

When my boy is old enough, I will pass it to him.

Enjoy!

Q

 

[dudly]

Nice!
The krag if I recall was used by the US during the Spanish American War (including the rough riders) then later swapped out for the 1903 due to the popularity of the Mauser style action in combat. A nice piece not many know alot about. The price of ammo for some of these older rifles can really put a damper on range use etc. I have an old Italian Carcano (nothing speacil) and frequently a box of ammo goes for more than the rifle!
Just be careful what ammo is used as many older military rifles fire the older military corrosive rounds more accurately(due to powder load) but this can cause pitting in the rifle bore. I couldnt hit anything with my K-98 until I used old military ammo, but now I have to clean it after every trip to the range.Thanks for sharing!

 

[Q-tip]

Nice!
The krag if I recall was used by the US during the Spanish American War (including the rough riders) then later swapped out for the 1903 due to the popularity of the Mauser style action in combat. A nice piece not many know alot about.

That is exactly right, Dudly! They found it too difficult to reload in the heat of battle. It would be worth more if my dad hadn't refinished it, but I wasnt going to sell it anyways. I think its a gorgeous gun. i clean it after every trip as well.

 

[Derve]

nice

you even have a ping in real life lol

 

[Mini]

Very cool Q

 

[Dr.Compton]

Nice!

 

[Yolobot]

Nice PING Q-tip :lol:

 

[Dutchoper72]

I need to buy a Thompson one day and post about it

 

[Immortal Technique]

You sould put a scope on it and see if you can clear bridge without getting naded

 

[Swayne]

Nice read. Be sure to put plenty more rounds thru it!

 

[Chuck Norris]

Thats awesome.

 

[Q point]

Wow Q ! So nice ... i'm a little jealous

 

[VermiN]

That is an awesome story and a great piece of history!!!

 

[Hardwarebeer[FIN]]

Nice!
The krag if I recall was used by the US during the Spanish American War (including the rough riders) then later swapped out for the 1903 due to the popularity of the Mauser style action in combat. A nice piece not many know alot about. The price of ammo for some of these older rifles can really put a damper on range use etc. I have an old Italian Carcano (nothing speacil) and frequently a box of ammo goes for more than the rifle!
Just be careful what ammo is used as many older military rifles fire the older military corrosive rounds more accurately(due to powder load) but this can cause pitting in the rifle bore. I couldnt hit anything with my K-98 until I used old military ammo, but now I have to clean it after every trip to the range.Thanks for sharing!

Cleaning is a part of the experience.

During my military service i learned to love my gun, still remember her feel and serial number.

Sadly though, my great grandfather brought the M/28-pystykorva(finnish mosin-nagant variant) from the second world war, which was used ~50 years for hunting, until police started campaign to collect "illegal" weapons.. I was too young to wield the rifle myself back then. Very nice heirloom Q, i'm jelly. Alot.

-beer

 

[SomeDude]

Nice!


Sadly enough, i've never handled a real rifle in my life, so all I can say is great story, and hope your child takes good care of that beauty.

 

[whoflungpoo]

Very nice Q!! I got to shoot some deer hunting rifles, rilfes, and pistols when i went to Texas about 2 months ago.

 

[dudly]

From what I've read the Fin mosin was the best made and most accurate. Mosin Nagants were made all over the world including ussr usa china and many euro countries. Fin mosins are held in very high regard, not common, and command much better prices than the average specimen. Has anyone had a swiss straight bolt K-31? I've only seen one in the flesh and have read they are some of the most accurate military rifles of the time.
The cleaning aspect I dont mind if I have the time after going to the range. Nothing like good friends, good music, and some solvent and oil with some history to boot!

 

[Boyle]

Very cool piece of family and gun history!

 

[Nuclear Cowboy]

Q, that is awesome. I have been scouting to buy one, but it won't have the history that yours does.

 

[La Bamba.]

Wow Q!

And Compton... You have the saddest scene of Lion King in your signature man!... why!?

The Horror...