My new Springfield Krag 1898

[RMD from TX]

I bought an 1898 Springfield Krag today at Cabelas.  I'm very excited. We were there for three hours so my wife was so ready to leave I think I could have gotten out of the store with about anything. The Krag looks great, needs a little TLC, but looks real clean. My only issue, and it could be operator, is that the magazine wont feed rounds to the chamber. I can load a round single shot, no problem ejecting, just the magazine will not feed. I plan on taking it to my gunsmith for a good once over before I fire it, but if anyone had any ideas on the magazine issue, I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

[blackpowderbill]

Does the follower move under spring pressure? There is a long thin flat spring in the bottom of the mag housing that operates the follower. If that is broken the follower will flop around loosely and not feed the ammo. You should not have to remove the rifle from the wood to check it. There will be what looks like a little half round piece of metal on the front bottom of the mag where it protrudes from the stock. that covers part of the spring and its extension acts as a hinge pin for the follower.

[Curtis]

Also remember that those were equipped with a magazine lockout to keep troops from wasting ammo.  When in lockout position it prevents the bolt from stripping a round from the magazine by holding the round clear of the bolt.  Make sure the lever is in the proper position for magazine feeding.

Curtis

[RMD from TX]

I'm thinking the lockout might, hopefully, be my issue. How do you manipulate the lockout? Is there a manual that I can get for the rifle?

[blackpowderbill]

It is a little lever on the left side of the receiver.  I think it should point up to feed and down for single shot. I may have the directions backward so try it both ways.

[RMD from TX]

That fixed it. Thank you!

[Curtis]

Here are some links to articles with good information.  Should be enough to get you familiar with field stripping and bolt stripping.  Also complete disassembly instructions if you're so inclined.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_8_52/ai_n16498973

http://www.surplusrifle.com/uskragrifle/index.asp

http://www.surplusrifle.com/uskragrifle/rifledisassemble/index.asp

http://www.surplusrifle.com/uskragrifle/boltdisassemble/index.asp

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/americankrag/index.asp

http://armscollectors.com/kragboltremoval.htm

Enjoy!
Curtis

[FW Conch]

   Hey RMD, I have one of those !  It was my late Fathers hunting rifle.  Everything he shot with it dropped in its tracks & he once took

a buck @ 200yds using 220gr SPRN , shooting the original open sights.  Enjoy your Krag & happy shooting.     Jim

[Kragman71]

Congratulations!
You got yourself a fine rifle.It has the smoothist action that most shooters will ever have an opportunity to shoot.
Enjoy
Frank

[rockbilly]

I have two that I rescued from a life as a fence post that are currently in the process of being resurrected.  If your is still full military configuration please don't butcher it by trying to make a sportier.  One will go back full military, the other will have spend it's life as a sportier, possibly a .22 Hornet.

To be on the safe side I would recommend you have a competent smith check it over and also check the head space before firing it.