I have a krag that only feeds 1 round at a time.  If I turn it upside down, another round will fall into place and can be chambered.  I suspect the spring has come loose at one and will need to be welded/soldered back into place.  I have no idea what technology was used back in the day, but I'd hate to have some novice gunsmith use a technique that might destroy the finish or something on my nice family heirloom.  Does anyone have recommendations on a smith specializing in krags or am I worrying too much about a non-issue?  Thanks.

It does sound as if there is an issue with the magazine follower. When you open and close the gate, does the follower move back and forth in tandem? If not, I would suspect an issue with the spring- either missing entirely or broken. If broken, it cannot be welded or soldered. Replacement is the only option.

Does the gate move smoothly, stay open, and then actually 'snap' shut? I'm guessing the parts may not be properly assembled or the spring could be missing, put in backwards, or broken - but, as has been said, there is nothing that can be soldered or welded. Parts replacement is the only answer if there is a problem.

This should help (refer 34-39, and 72-77):

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Magazine cutoff?

Always the first thought, but re-read the OP. I don't think so.

Keystone Rebel:  The Krag magazine spring serves two functions - 1.  It bears against the magazine door, where it hinges, so that the door will stay open, when loading, and firmly snap and stay shut, when closed.  2.  The spring also has a dog-leg at one end which engages a cam and powers the follower assembly to feed cartridges.  The spring is arched.  When properly assembled and in place, the spring 'arches' outward and the middle of the spring touches the middle of the door hinge.  The 'dog-leg' tip of the spring touches the machined cut of the follower cam.  The easiest way to check spring function is to take the action out of the stock and remove the left side-plate.  If the magazine door is shut, the follower will be visible at the side-plate opening and can be pushed inward against spring pressure.  When the magazine door is opened, the follower assembly will fold up into the hollow interior of the magazine door.  The engagement of the spring tip can be checked by rotating the magazine door hinge pin so that the small flat spring/cover, attached to the front of the hinge pin, lifts out of its recess.  The cam and spring tip engagement can then be viewed.  It is possible to assemble the 'arched' flat spring incorrectly (Dog-leg tip behind cam or arch projecting inward, instead of outward) and jam the follower function.  Also, the spring could be broke and need replacement.

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Keystone Rebel:  Here is a schematic from the KCA Website.  To visit, mouse click on 'Visit the KCA Website today!' when it appears at the top of the forum page, and then click on the tab marked 'photos'.  Lots of good stuff there!

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