"Dings" on new Krag Bolts seem understandable to me, if we look at how they were handled, stored and shipped.

Joe DeChristopher's grandson describes packages of five new bolts: ... "part of just opened wooden crate, they haven't seen the light of day in over 100 years" ...

Springfield Armory (Hill Shops - Hardening Room) photos may show handling of 1903 Bolts, but, process for Krag Bolts was similar.

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