Krag Collectors,

the stock show 1903 and the serial also I believe.
I have a krag feeding question.
I have not had this long.
I loaded some ammo and I shot it the other day.
it will not push the last round up far enough so it can be picked up by the bolt.
usually 4 will feed.

when I got it would not feed at all.
Someone had taken it apart and did not capture the rod for the magazine properly. I reassembled it so the feeder would press against the shells when closed.

Any common problem to look for?
the rod looks just a little bent, I had to peck it gently with a plastic hammer to put it back in. cannot see that it would have ever had more 'spring' though maybe it did.

How to fix or what to replace?

It seemed to shoot okay otherwise.
I did not group as well it as I did the gew98 8mm I took the same day. But there will be more trips.

thanks
HawkEyeEarl

'HawkEyeEarl': Welcome to the KCA Forum. I am sorry about your cartridge feed problem.

I would recommend that you take your barreled action out of the stock and remove the left side-plate. This will allow you to check the travel, smoothness, and strength of the follower assembly. You should also check the inside of the side-plate for dents, damage and dirt.

The cartridges in your photo suggest you are using both Round Nose and Spitzer projectiles. My Krags have been tolerant of Spitzers, but, not all Krags are.

You could possibly have a Model 1896 side-plate on your model 1898 (this can cause feed problems). It never hurts to make sure the follower-carrier assembly is clean and lightly lubricated, especially where the flat spring tip powers the cam of the follower-carrier. That curved flat spring both tensions the magazine-gate and powers the follower.

(Attached photos show how follower-carrier projects out of action with side-plate removed).

I appreciate the advice.
I will look on the left side and clean it.
I have not done that.
I will let you know what I see.

I can't say for sure, but could also be an earlier follower someone has put in a 98.  It can be done, I've found.

When re-assembling the magazine gate (with the action out of the stock), you can put the spring, follower/carrier assembly, and magazine gate in their relative positions and compress the spring with an appropriate size "C" clamp. You slowly tighten the "C" clamp (spanning the magazine-door and left side of the receiver) until the spring is compressed and all the hinge holes line-up. If the gate 'hinge pin' is straight and all burrs are removed, the pin can easily be tapped into place with a small plastic mallet. (A couple squares of masking tape on the "C" Clamp contacting surfaces should prevent marring).

The hinge pin can be checked for straightness, burrs, and alignment by trial assembly without the spring.

I have taken it apart and cleaned it and reassembled it. I did not notice any obvious problem. It did have a little varnish like gunk. I came back to look at this thread and pictures. I will shoot again and see where I am. I wonder if the spring is not quite as fully engaging as it once was. Not sure. I will get back after I have shot it again.

The magazine parts don't cost too much, even on ebay. Maybe you should buy a spare magazine-gate spring and hinge pin and switch parts.