Original Item: Only One Available. The Norwegian M1894 Krag–Jørgensen Rifle was the result of the Swedish-Norwegian Rifle Commission, which in 1891 set out to decide on a new primary service long rifle. Before they could decide on the rifle, first they had to develop a new cartridge that it would fire, with the end result being the 6.5×55mm Swedish. After they they tested various rifle designs, eventually short listing three rifle designs: the Mannlicher 1892, the Mauser 1892, and the Krag–Jørgensen 1892.

Ultimately the Krag design was chosen, and a total of more than 215,000 Krag–Jørgensen rifles and carbines were built at the Kongsberg Arms Factory in Norway. 33,500 additional M/1894 rifles were produced at Steyr (Österreichische Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft) in 1896–1897 under contracts for the Norwegian Army (29,000 rifles) and the Civilian Marksmanship Organisation (4,500 rifles). The various subtypes of Krag–Jørgensen replaced all rifles and carbines previously used by the Norwegian armed forces, notably the Jarmann M1884, the Krag–Petersson and the last of the remaining Remington M1867 and modified kammerladers rimfire rifles and carbines.

This is a very interesting example of the Norwegian M/1894 Krag–Jørgensen, the most common variant produced. It was at some time after production converted to a .22 Sniper Training rifle, which entailed putting a sleeve in the barrel, with the chamber off center so that the bolt did not require any modification. This however means the rifle slopes downwards slightly, so new precision front and rear sights were installed. The front sight has a protective hood over the small post sight, and the rear sight is still fully adjustable for both elevation and windage.

The CROWN / K Kongsberg Arsenal marking on the rear sight indicates that this is definitely an official military modification for training uses. The extremely complex rear sight is definitely something far beyond something a local gunsmith would be capable of. Many countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., have often taken older weapons and converted them to .22LR for training purposes. We have been unable to find any real references to this rifle configuration in books or on the internet, so it is possible that it was entirely experimental.

Before being converted, this was one of the 33,500 additional examples made in Austria by Steyr, as indicated by the marking over the chamber:

The rifle features serial numbers of 30439 on the receiver, rear sight, and barrel bands, while the stock is marked 11128 on the left side in front of the magazine floor plate. The butt plate has "111128" crossed out, with 30439 stamped underneath, the result of parts being replaced at arsenal. There are also several Norwegian / Swedish Crown proofs on various components. The rifle is in fine working condition, and really looks fantastic, with a great color to the wood.

The bore is in excellent shape, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. The stock is in very good condition, with the expected wear and tear as seen on a service rifle. It has a lovely polished glow, and no structural damage that we can see. The only missing part we can see is the upper sling swivel, which would normally be on the lower barrel band. The lower sling attachment points are both still intact.

In 1892 the United States also adopted the Krag–Jørgensen system as the Springfield Model 1892, which then went through several revisions before being replaced by the Springfield Model 1903.

A very interesting example of a Norwegian Krag rifle, with loads of research potential! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .22
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 50 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine - Non Functional for .22 cartridges