Krag-Jorgensen M1894
Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1894
Also known as: Krag-Jørgensen, M1894, Gevær m/1894, Norwegian Krag
Overview
The Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen Model 1894 (Gevær m/1894) is the original Krag-Jorgensen service rifle, a bolt-action chambered in 6.5x55mm designed by Ole Herman Johannes Krag and Erik Jorgensen. Produced primarily at Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk in Norway (with early production by Steyr), it is distinct from the later US M1898 Krag in .30-40 and the Danish M1889 in 8x58R. Its defining feature is a unique side-mounted horizontal box magazine that loads loose rounds through a hinged side gate and can be topped up with the bolt closed.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1267 mm (49.88") |
| Barrel Length | 760 mm (29.92") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 220 mm (8.66") |
| 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 Scandinavian, 6.5x55 Krag, 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Side Loading Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Mounted Safety, Magazine Cutoff
- Features: Side Loading Horizontal Magazine, Loose Round Feed, Smooth Bolt Cycling, Magazine Cutoff
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Army · adopted 1894 · as Gevær m/1894
Conflicts
- Norwegian Campaign (1940)
Production
Estimated total produced: 120,000 · Production years: 1895-1925
Roughly 115,000-130,000 Norwegian M1894 rifles; exact totals not firmly documented in accessible sources
Origin
Country of origin: Norway
Designer: Ole Herman Johannes Krag
Discontinued: 1925
Notes
Muzzle velocity is highly load-dependent: the original 156 gr round-nose military load runs around 700 m/s, while later 139-140 gr spitzer loads reach 800-870 m/s. The magazine cutoff lets the rifle feed single-loaded rounds while holding the 5-round magazine in reserve.
Background
The Krag's defining trait is its side-loading horizontal magazine: a soldier could drop loose rounds into a hinged gate on the right of the receiver and top up the magazine at any time without opening the bolt, giving the m/1894 a reputation as one of the smoothest-cycling military bolt rifles ever made.