From the Vault: U.S. Army .30-40 Krag

Published on November 26, 2018
Duration: 6:32

This guide details the operation of the U.S. Army Model 1898 Krag rifle, focusing on its unique side-loading magazine and magazine cutoff lever. Expert Roy Hill demonstrates how to load the rifle and switch between single-shot and magazine-fed firing modes. Proper safety protocols are emphasized throughout.

Quick Summary

The U.S. Army Model 1898 Krag rifle is notable for its unique side-loading magazine and magazine cutoff lever. The '.30-40' designation refers to its .30 caliber bullet and 40 grains of powder, using old black powder terminology for a smokeless cartridge. It was the first smokeless powder rifle adopted by the U.S. military.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Introduction: U.S. Army .30-40 Krag
  2. 00:27Historical Significance and Origin
  3. 00:57Cartridge Naming Convention
  4. 01:23Cartridge Comparison
  5. 02:04Preservation and Collectibility
  6. 02:45Unique Side-Loading Magazine
  7. 03:15Magazine Cutoff Lever
  8. 04:00Cartouche Stamp and Personal Connection
  9. 04:57Sights and Bayonet Lug
  10. 05:30Spanish-American War Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the U.S. Army Model 1898 Krag rifle's magazine?

The Model 1898 Krag features a distinctive side-loading magazine that accepts cartridges individually, unlike the more common internal magazines loaded via stripper clips. It also has a magazine cutoff lever to control feeding.

What does the '.30-40' designation mean for the Krag cartridge?

The '.30-40' designation for the Krag cartridge uses old black powder terminology. It refers to a .30 caliber bullet and 40 grains of powder, even though it was designed for smokeless powder.

What was the historical significance of the .30-40 Krag rifle?

The .30-40 Krag was the first smokeless powder cartridge rifle adopted by the U.S. military. It saw significant service, notably during the Spanish-American War.

How does the magazine cutoff lever on the Krag rifle function?

The magazine cutoff lever allows the shooter to disable the feeding of cartridges from the magazine, enabling single-shot fire. Flipping the lever up re-enables magazine feeding for more rapid firing.

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