Krag-Jorgensen M1930 Sniper
Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1930
Also known as: Krag M1930 Sniperrifle, Krag-Jorgensen Skarpskyttergevær M/1930
Overview
The Krag-Jorgensen M1930 Sniper is a Norwegian precision rifle based on the Krag-Jorgensen M1894 action, developed as an improved sniper variant after the earlier M1923 and M1925 models proved unreliable in field conditions. Manufactured by Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk between 1930 and 1939, only 466 examples were produced, making it one of the rarest purpose-built sniper rifles of the interwar period. The M1930 featured a heavy barrel, refined sporting-style stock, improved sights, and a fine-tuned trigger specifically optimized for precision shooting. Chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish, the rifle utilized the Krag-Jorgensen's distinctive side-loading gate magazine system that allowed topping off without opening the bolt. The M1930 represented the final evolution of the Krag-Jorgensen platform as a dedicated sniper weapon before Norway's occupation during World War II.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5200 g (183.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 750 mm (29.53") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2905 J (2143 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x55mm Swedish · primary — also known as 6.5x55mm SE, 6.5x55mm Mauser, 6.5x55mm Scandinavian
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety
- Features: Heavy Barrel, Side Loading Gate, Sporting Stock, Fine Tuned Trigger, Scope Mounts
Variants
- Krag-Jorgensen M1894 — Base Model
- Krag-Jorgensen M1923 Sniper — Earlier Sniper
- Krag-Jorgensen M1925 Sniper — Earlier Sniper
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Armed Forces · adopted 1930 · as M1930
Conflicts
- Norwegian Campaign (1940)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 466 · Production years: 1930-1939
All 466 rifles built on converted M1894 actions at Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk. Extremely rare today.
Origin
Country of origin: Norway
Designer: Ole Herman Johannes Krag / Erik Jorgensen
Discontinued: 1939
Notes
The M1930 barrel was 750mm long and 21mm thick at the muzzle, significantly heavier than the standard M1894 infantry rifle. All 466 M1930 rifles were built on converted M1894 actions. The side-loading gate is the Krag-Jorgensen's most distinctive feature, allowing single rounds to be loaded into the magazine from the right side without manipulating the bolt. Many surviving M1923 sniper rifles were later converted to M1930 specification or sporterized for hunting use.
Background
The Krag-Jorgensen system was designed by Norwegian engineers Ole Krag and Erik Jorgensen in the 1880s and became one of the most widely adopted military rifles of its era, serving Norway, Denmark, and the United States. The M1930 sniper variant represented the pinnacle of the design's accuracy potential, though production was cut short by the German invasion of Norway in April 1940.