Norwegian M1891 Krag–Jørgensen .22LR Sporter Single Shot Rifle, 1908
SOLD FOR: $1,692.00
LSB#: LSB250622BR010
Make: Kongsberg Arms Factory, Norway
Model: 1891 Krag–Jørgensen
Serial Number: 82944
Year of Manufacture: 1908 (ATF Modern due to sporterization.)
Caliber: .22 L.R.
Action Type: Bolt action, 5 round side loading magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver has a Norwegian crest and “1908”. The left side is marked, “82944”. Not all serialized parts are matched to the receiver. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 30”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Globe style hooded circular post dovetailed to the barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a micro adjustable 4-position diopter mounted to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is single piece sporterized wood with a barrel band, cleaning rod, barrel band & sling loop, finger grooves, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling bar, and serrated steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with some small chips. The wrist is cracked. The checkering is mostly pronounced. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrel shows spots of patina and light scratches. The receiver and bolt have moderate to heavy thinning and light patina. The magazine gate has spots of pitting. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Norwegian Krag–Jørgensen is best known as the rifle that armed Norway, Denmark, and even the United States at the turn of the 20th century, prized for its smooth side-loading action and excellent accuracy. This example, originally manufactured at Kongsberg in 1908, has been sporterized and converted to .22 Long Rifle, turning a military rifle into a precision small-bore trainer or sporting arm. The conversion to .22 LR made sense for target shooting and training purposes, as it allowed shooters to enjoy the accuracy and handling of the Krag platform with far less cost and recoil. Its long 30-inch barrel, paired with specialized target sights including a hooded globe front and diopter rear, demonstrates its intended use for precision shooting rather than military service. Condition-wise, this rifle shows honest wear from use and modification but still retains strong features. The stock has been sporterized and bears cracks, chips, and handling marks, yet it remains solid with defined checkering. The rifle’s metal retains about 70 percent of its refinish, with patina, thinning throuhgout, and some pitting on the magazine gate. While not all serial numbers match, the markings are still clear, and the rifle’s overall presentation is appealing. The bore is excellent, bright with sharp rifling, rating 9.75 out of 10, and stands out as the highlight of this rifle, making it suitable for continued use as a precision shooter.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this Krag–Jørgensen represents an interesting chapter in the afterlife of surplus military rifles. While its sporterization removes it from the realm of untouched military collectibles, it gains value as a unique conversion to .22 LR with target features. The combination of a fine bore, quality sights, and the inherent smoothness of the Krag action makes it a capable rifle for small-bore target shooting even today. As an affordable entry into Krag collecting, or as a piece reflecting how nations and individuals adapted military rifles for civilian sport, this rifle offers both historical interest and practical use. -R.E.
