Frank Brownell Collection, S. Durren Krag

Published on July 3, 2026
Duration: 3:22

This video showcases a highly customized S. Durren Krag rifle, originally a .30-40 Krag military action. The rifle features a re-barreled European-style barrel, a full-length stock with masterful wrap-around checkering, and a Niedner-style buttplate. The gunsmithing, attributed to Steve Durren, includes a completely resurfaced and re-blued action, nighter-blued parts, and flawless inletting, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.

Quick Summary

This custom .30-40 Krag rifle, built by Michigan gunmaker Steve Durren (S. Durren Gunmaker), is a rare example of a highly customized Krag action. It features a European-style barrel, a full-length stock with exceptional wrap-around checkering, a Niedner-style buttplate, and a flawlessly resurfaced and re-blued action.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Custom Krag Rifle
  2. 00:12Unusual .30-40 Krag Custom Build
  3. 00:24Barrel and Stock Features
  4. 00:45Action Refinishing and Bluing
  5. 00:59Nighter-Blued Parts and Niedner Buttplate
  6. 01:17Stock Wood Grain and Checkering
  7. 01:22Gunmaker Identification: S. Durren
  8. 01:27Fore-end and Inletting Details
  9. 01:45Sight Work and Redfield Sight
  10. 01:58Overall Assessment of Craftsmanship
  11. 02:13Call to Action and Closing

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the gunsmith behind the custom .30-40 Krag rifle?

The custom .30-40 Krag rifle featured was crafted by Steve Durren, operating under the name S. Durren Gunmaker. He is a respected gunsmith from Michigan and a former president of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, known for his exceptional craftsmanship.

What makes this .30-40 Krag rifle unusual as a custom build?

This rifle is considered unusual because the .30-40 Krag action is not commonly chosen for high-end custom builds. The presenter expresses a personal coveting of this specific rifle, highlighting its rarity and the exceptional work done on it.

What are some of the key custom features of this S. Durren rifle?

Key custom features include a re-barreled action with a European-style contour, a full-length stock with masterful wrap-around checkering, a Niedner-style buttplate, and a completely resurfaced and re-blued action. The inletting and trim fore-end are also noted for their precision.

What type of stock and checkering does this custom rifle have?

The rifle features a stock made from a high-quality piece of wood, possibly with 'cat's eye' grain. It boasts masterful wrap-around checkering in a point pattern, extending around the stock for a secure grip.

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