I shot the .30-40 Krag!

[workinwifdakids]

My father let me shoot his .30-40 Krag rifle that belonged to his father, and it was a real joy. I’d heard the round is ballistically similar to the .30-06, so I was surprised at the mild recoil. The nice sights and fine balance allowed me to hit my point of aim the first shot at about 100 feet away.

I’m the first-born son, so one day I think it’ll be my honor to have this fine rifle in my own collection. I was very pleased, not just because of the rifle, but also because I got to fire a family heirloom under my dad’s eye. It was a good time I hope I won’t forget.

[Whirlibird]

Ah Krag magic.

Nothing quite like a Krag action for the smoothness and ease of loading.
Even the custom makers could take a lesson from the old works of art like that.

[DwightG]

Ditto what Whirlibird said. The Krag is an elegant piece of work. Granted the design could benefit from a bit of modern metallurgy and design tech. but for its day it was quite a leap forward from the old Trap Door Springfield.

Workin', actually the .30-40 is a fair bit milder than the '06 (as you noticed in the recoil) although it's no slouch. The original military loading was a 200gr bullet at 2000 fps.

[Rod]

I take mine out occasionally and always get the "What the hell is that?" question. Most people almost drool after firing it. Congrats on getting to shoot it and may it be a long while before you own that firearm (think about it).

[Bullspit]

You are a lucky man! The Krag is a bit of history from a time when even battle rifles were finished and not just made. The .30-40 round is a bit less powerful than the .30-06, but not much. Often loaded with a heavier bullet than the typical '06 the round is very effective although not quite as flat shooting.

Some people find the exterior magazine box/gate odd, but once they understand how sweet it works, and how nicely fitted it is they learn to love it. All in all the Krag is a sweet gun.

Did you know that the Krag was made in 6.5X55 for use in Norway and I think Denmark? The 6.5 X 55 is my favorite and someday I would love to find a Krag in this caliber, as well as the .30-40 that the Krag was chambered for here in America.

Congratulations on getting to handle and fire one that is in your family and I'll echo Rod's sentiments about hoping you have a long wait before you own it.

[First Shirt]

The Krag is the only rifle I've ever fired that made me wish I wasn't left-handed, it's just a really nice weapon! Congrats, and hope it's a long time before it's yours.

[AndytheAxe]

I'm in the same position though I haven't fired ours yet; hope to in a couple weeks though. I read it was more accurate than the early '03s and was winning service matches up to 1909. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Spatially Adjusted]

And to think that, at one time, the federal government was selling those things off (through the NRA, I believe) for something like $5 apiece!