'olBEAR' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

The 'Hinge Bar' (of the Krag Magazine-Gate) is suppose to remain closed and cover the cam and contact surfaces of the Follower-Arm Assembly.

It is intended to be easily opened by lifting the flat (spring like) cover, while rotating the Hinge Bar. This is to facilitate cleaning, inspection, and light lubrication.  IMHO - It is best opened with the Stock removed from the action.

The condition you describe ('self-opening') is a common Krag affliction.

Several things can cause this problem: old dried up crud and grease, burrs on the long 'pin' part of the Hinge-Bar, including its tip, lack of lubrication, and a bent Hinge-Bar, especially near the cover. Often all of these factors are present.

My advice is to disassemble the Magazine-Gate assembly. Remove any burrs and straighten the Hinge-Bar, clean dirt & old grease, and lightly lubricate parts.

While still apart (and without the Follower/Gate Spring), test the alignment of Hinge-Bar with the 'loops' on the receiver and test its fit through the 'long hinge hole' of the Loading-Gate for freedom to rotate. The flat cover on the Hinge-Bar needs a bit of tension to lock into place in its recess on the bottom of the receiver.

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