Hello!

I have, en route, a Norwegian Krag on which I hope you can help shed light.

Avert your eyes if you are offended by sporterized weapons!  Barrel appears to have been shortened to 21-22", front sight and stock/hardware have been replaced, etc etc. 

Based on the serial number 4088, matching on the receiver, bolt, and barrel, it appears to be an 1894 Navy issued rifle.  However, the rear sight placement is puzzling, not seeming to match the 94, and close but not exactly a match for the 1912 pattern.  Please advise.

The trigger guard's rear screw is missing, and I assume threading and dressing a Brownells blank to match the original BSW thread is the best bet, based on parts scarcity.  Beyond that, my plan is to shoot as is, before making any decisions. 

Any comments are welcome.  Thanks!

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I believe that US screws will work. If I can remember I will check over the weekend. I think that the rear sight has just been moved back, it also appears that some filing has been done around the sighting notch.

Yes, that's unfortunate.  The upside is rear sights seems to be one of the few Norgie parts that is relatively inexpensive to replace.

Thx for the update.  Gleaning info here and elsewhere, it seems the missing rear trigger guard screw should be 1 1/2" long, 1/4" bore, Whitworth standared (obsolete) 20tpi, with a 1/3" "cheesehead" slotted head.

Some of the rifles or carbines used a countersunk head instead.

Apparently the current UN coarse 20tpi thread is close enough, although at a slightly different pitch, to be workable.  We'll see whether this is true or retapping (ugh) is a better solution.

Either way, threading and dressing a blank seems like it's happening, one way or another.

I found a NY-based firm that deals with old Brit standard fasteners, so I'll contact them this week, seeking additional guidance.

Can't see a 102 working on the Norwegian, as the sideplate fastens up differently vs a US. But a Pacific might.  Otherwise, I think you'd have to drill and tap the other side for a Lyman 57, Williams, or one of the Norwegian made sights.

Interesting.  Thank you.

I'm darn sure I don't want to alter the receiver, so I'd rather modify a receiver base.  I suppose that will be somewhere further down the list.

I have collet dies, Lapua brass, and 140gr bullets en route.  But loading ammo will also be further down the list, behind affixing the trigger guard, inspecting the action, thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the barrel and the whole shebang, and running some dummies. 

But I want it NOW.   

Thanks for your suggestions.  I'm sure to have plenty more questions.

OK, I have the rifle in house.  I have given it a once-twice-three times over.

I'm pleased, to say the least.  What a beautiful, refined action - the machining and scalloping exhibit the type of old world craftsmanship that make me want to do a somersault, if I wouldn't throw out my back, of course.  The overall appearance is a bit slinkier than my US Krag.  The magazine door and magazine opening are a real delight.

I see now what you were saying about the minor differences making no drill sights a non starter.  I'll have time to consider my options.  However, the modified rear, as is, will be a little better than useless to me - the grinding not only destroyed the part, but ruined the sight picture. 

The barrel is of heavy profile than I expected.  The narrow bore ( ) is bright, and the grooves look to be in good shape.  We'll see how it looks after Wipe-Out and a good scrubbing.

The trigger guard screws.  Ach.  The front action screw looks original, and semi buggered.  I can live with it.  The front trigger guard screw, though... looks like a replacement.  The contour doesn't fit the bottom of the action, and I fear that the threading may be unoriginal.  We'll see  when I get it apart. 

The Bishop stock is interesting... not bad, really, decent lines,  but overly thick in the forearm, and both steep and fat in the grip.  These issues could be improved down the line.  The magazine sideplate relief, though, is, ummm, adequate, but lacks any visible evidence of fitting.  The lines are straight, but the wood stands proud from the metal.  I suppose the stock was designed for the US Krag, and the narrower Norgie sideplate just isn't a good match.  All that aside, the stock is adequate and certainly less offensive than a butchered military stock.  It points to the left for me when shouldered.

After I get the rifle apart, inspected, cleaned, and greased, I will follow up.  Thx for all your comments.  I am a cautiously happy camper.

1/4"x 1 1/2" BSW screws arrived today.  Threads are a go!

They (one) will need to be shortened by a cm or so, and the screw head dressed, to match the trigger guard.  I purchased one cheesehead and one fillister; we'll see which works better.  Also have a die in case the machinist wants to start from a Brownells blank. 

Either way, progress has been made.

In to the 'smith tomorrow for the "physical" while I sort through sighting options.