Krag-Jorgensen M1894
Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk · Rifle · Discontinued · 1894
Also known as: Gevaer m/1894, M1894 Krag, Norwegian Krag, Krag-Jorgensen Model 1894
Overview
The Krag-Jorgensen M1894 is a Norwegian bolt-action service rifle chambered in 6.5x55mm. Adopted by Norway in 1894 as the Gevaer m/1894, it uses the distinctive Krag-Jorgensen side-mounted, hinged-door integral box magazine that allows loose rounds to be poured in without a stripper clip, and a magazine cut-off that lets the rifle be loaded single-shot while keeping the magazine in reserve. The infantry rifle features a 762mm barrel, smooth 80-degree bolt throw, and V-notch iron sights, and it remained Norway's principal long arm into the Second World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4220 g (148.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1267 mm (49.88") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 730 m/s (2395 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2700 J (1991 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2200 m (2406 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x55mm Swedish · primary — also known as 6.5x55, 6.5x55 SE, 6.5 Swede, 6.5x55mm M/94 Norwegian Krag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Integral Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side Loading Magazine, Magazine Cutoff, Integral Box Magazine, V Notch Iron Sights, Cock On Closing
Variants
- Krag-Jorgensen Carbine M1899 - Carbine
- Krag-Jorgensen M1930 - Sniper
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Army · adopted 1894 · as Gevaer m/1894
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 217,000 · Production years: 1894-1940
Over 200,000 M1894 rifles were produced for Norwegian service across Kongsberg and Steyr; the broader Krag-Jorgensen family exceeded 700,000 examples across Norway, the United States and Denmark.
Origin
Country of origin: Norway
Designer: Ole Herman Johannes Krag, Erik Jorgensen
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
Manufactured primarily by Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk in Norway, with an initial contract batch produced by Waffenfabrik Steyr in Austria-Hungary. The smooth single-locking-lug Krag action was prized for its slick cycling but was slower to reload than charger-fed designs of the era.
Background
The Krag-Jorgensen was designed by Norwegian designers Ole Krag and Erik Jorgensen and famously adopted by three nations - Norway, Denmark and the United States. Its unusually smooth action and side-loading magazine made it a favourite of marksmen, but the United States ultimately replaced its Krag with the Springfield M1903 after the charger-fed Mausers showed faster reloading in the Spanish-American War.