Krag-Jorgensen M1912
Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1913
Also known as: Karabin m/1912, Kar 12, M/1912, Krag-Jørgensen M1912, M1912 Short Rifle
Overview
The Krag-Jorgensen M1912 (Karabin m/1912) is a Norwegian bolt-action carbine chambered in 6.5x55mm, produced at Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk. A refined development of the m/1894 pattern, it was introduced to give every branch of service a single short arm after the thin barrels of the earlier light carbines proved inaccurate: it fits a heavier, longer 610mm barrel, a turned-down bolt handle, a full-length stock reaching to the muzzle and a bayonet mount. Like all Krags it uses the signature side-mounted horizontal box magazine loaded with loose rounds through a hinged gate, together with a magazine cut-off for single-loading.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x55mm Swedish · primary — also known as 6.5x55, 6.5x55 SE, 6.5 Swede, 6.5x55mm M/94 Norwegian Krag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Side Loading Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Mounted Safety, Magazine Cutoff
- Features: Side Loading Horizontal Magazine, Loose Round Feed, Full Length Stock To Muzzle, Heavier Barrel Profile, Turned Down Bolt Handle, Bayonet Lug
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Army · adopted 1913 · as Karabin m/1912
Conflicts
- Norwegian Campaign (1940)
Production
Estimated total produced: 33,000 · Production years: 1913-1917
Roughly 30,000+ m/1912 and m/1912/16 carbines produced at Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk; exact totals vary between sources.
Origin
Country of origin: Norway
Designer: Ole Herman Johannes Krag, Erik Jorgensen
Discontinued: 1917
Notes
An improved model, the Karabin m/1912/16, added a reinforcing band at the forend to cure cracking. Because the model carries a heavier barrel and full stock it is noticeably heavier than the earlier m/1904 and m/1907 carbines. No manufacturer muzzle-velocity figure is documented for the shorter barrel, so that field is left null.
Background
The m/1912 was Norway's attempt to end its confusing stable of separate cavalry, engineer, artillery and mountain carbines with one universal short arm - but its slim early forend cracked in service, forcing the reinforced m/1912/16 with an extra band around the stock.