A few days ago I took my ‘96 Krag to the range for another attempt to make sense of it patterning at 50 yards - to the right and very low. First step was to ask an assist from a neighbor. He suggested a thorough cleaning. He used a chemical he said was like acid and must be used with caution. We huddled over the rifle muttering incantations and scrubbing madly. When the patches were acceptable it was off to the range.

As 50 yards had proved less helpful we started at the 25-yard target. We found the target, the vert.string was still to the right and the elevation was better. Seeing the blade in the (?) 1902 sight was tough.

Tougher yet was the impact firing from the bench with a support for the barrel. My technique needs work. 25 110gr @ 2000fps was really painful. A factory 180 grain was the last straw. The bruises are still there. As I always shot on my feet I decided a padded sleeve was the answer. Having 1/4” foam and leather i asked myself, “how hard can it be.” With proper planning and a bit of change to the plan on the fly I now have a cushion over the military butt plate.  Photos follow.

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