6.5x55mm is the flavor of the week

[MrBrian]

Bought two guns in 3 days, both are chambered in 6.5x55.   

 

On top we have a Norwegian Krag Jorgensen.  Best I can tell it's a model M1894 that's been turned into a civilian target rifle.   The rear sight has been removed and a new handguard has been put on it.  Not exactly sure where someone would have found a handguard this style that fits the rifle so nicely.  The barrel and receiver match, along with other parts such as the barrel bands.   But the stock and bolt have different serial numbers.   Also what's odd, is the buttplate doesn't have an opening for storing a cleaning kit, even though the wood underneath it is drilled out....  But the buttplate matches the stock numbers, so who knows?   Currently, it has a Lyman 57 SME peep sight. I looked into getting a rear sight and returning it to it's original configuration, but that will cost around $500 to do so, so for now, I'll just enjoy it as it is.   

The rifle on the bottom is a Swedish m94 Carbine, and it's my favorite of the two.   Sure the rifling of the bore is a bit worn, the sling isn't leather, and the slide on the rear sight needs a new spring, but it's just such a cute little fellow.   It's a cock on closing bolt, similar to the Lee Enfields, smooth operating, easy to disassemble/ clean, and coming in at 37 inches overall, it's a handy size.   

Seeing that the Norwegian Krag's aren't able to handle the higher pressures that the Swede can, I'll have to shoot up some of my commercial brass so I can reload for the Krag as safer pressures, but that's no big deal.   Hope to get these both printed on paper relatively soon.  I'm sure the soft recoil of the 6.5x55 will make both of these sweet shooters.

[Major Kong]

Nice scores! My deer rifle is a 6.5 Swede. I love it.

[No_0ne]

This page has a pic of a buttplate exactly like yours, along with the drilled stock.  From what I can make out, it's a page describing the characteristics of the "private" version of these rifles, and maybe comparing them to the military version as well.  Since I don't read of speak Norwegian, it's hard to tell exactly what these pics represent.

http://www.kvf.no/vaapen.php?type=Rifle&weaponid=RIF0096

This page was fond at this site:

http://www.kvf.no/guns-rifler.php

 

[MrBrian]

42 minutes ago, No_0ne said:

This page has a pic of a buttplate exactly like yours, along with the drilled stock.  From what I can make out, it's a page describing the characteristics of the "private" version of these rifles, and maybe comparing them to the military version as well.  Since I don't read of speak Norwegian, it's hard to tell exactly what these pics represent.

http://www.kvf.no/vaapen.php?type=Rifle&weaponid=RIF0096

This page was fond at this site:

http://www.kvf.no/guns-rifler.php

 

I wish I could find a database of proof marks, cause there's like 4 different marks on the receiver....   I may have to learn to speak Norwegian

[MrBrian]

The Norwegian Krag is also missing it's cleaning rod, but I refuse to pay $100 for one lol

[gregintenn]

Neat stuff! Thanks for sharing.

So far, a Swede military rifle of any ilk is one that eludes me. One day I hope to pick one up.

[MrBrian]

4 hours ago, gregintenn said:

Neat stuff! Thanks for sharing.

So far, a Swede military rifle of any ilk is one that eludes me. One day I hope to pick one up.

The m96 rifles are relatively easy to find and still reasonably priced

[stealthgoat]

 Great finds! I am a huge fan of the swedes, but that Norwegian Krag is really cool too 

[LCPfraTN]

Very nice! Both of those are on my wish list. I have all the other Swedish Mausers, but I'm still missing a model 94. I have a Danish Krag rifle and carbine, but unfortunately they shoot ammo that is not readily available, so I'd like to add a Norwegian Krag and make more use of all the 6.5x55mm primed brass that I have. 

[MrBrian]

1 hour ago, LCPfraTN said:

Very nice! Both of those are on my wish list. I have all the other Swedish Mausers, but I'm still missing a model 94. I have a Danish Krag rifle and carbine, but unfortunately they shoot ammo that is not readily available, so I'd like to add a Norwegian Krag and make more use of all the 6.5x55mm primed brass that I have. 

Shot both of these over the weekend, and very pleased with them both.  Out of the two, I prefer the m94 overall, but the way the Krag loads is just so cool and unique.   I ordered a larger aperture disc for the rear peep sight, and it just came in the mail today.   It's a "hunting" aperture so I'll see how I like it.   That tiny "target" aperture is super hard for me to see anything through, and nearly impossible if there's any sun in your eyes.    FYI, both of these rifles are recommended to shoot milder loads than the commercially available ammo.  I put 38.0 grains of Reloader 22 behind some 140 gr Hornady SP Interlock bullets, and I think I'll stick with that load for now.  Very sweet shooting guns.  Maybe I'll be able to take them out to 500-600 yards soon..

Edited July 26, 2017 by MrBrian