Norwegian M1894 Lang-Krag 6.5×55 29” Bolt Action Target Rifle, 1896 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,011.00
LSB#: LSB260503DF015
Make: Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, Austria (ŒWG). Reworked by Kongsberg Arsenal, Norway
Model: M 1894 Lang-Krag Jørgensen Target Rifle
Serial Number: 8959
Year of Manufacture: 1896 / Antique
Caliber: 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round side-loading magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “STEYR / 1896 / 8959”. The bolt and bolt handle are matched to the receiver, the trigger guard is not. There are various Norwegian crowns throughout.
Barrel Length: 29” Heavy Bull Profile
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an open center circular post with a stamped hood dovetailed to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable hooded diopter eyepiece with 5 apertures mounted to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two-piece laminate wood stock with a barrel band, checkered semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and serrated steel buttplate. There are light scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rework
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is light thinning along with scratches, nicks, and faint patina throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads range from sharp to moderately tooled. The markings are mostly clear with some being blurry and worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Excellent condition as an Antique.
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 M1894 Lang-Krag represents one of the finest evolutions of the Krag-Jørgensen rifle, a design that earned an international reputation for its exceptionally smooth bolt operation and innovative side-loading magazine. Originally manufactured by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft at Steyr in 1896 for the Norwegian military, this rifle was later reworked by Kongsberg Arsenal into a specialized target rifle. The conversion reflects Norway’s long-standing emphasis on civilian and military marksmanship, combining the proven Krag action with a heavy target barrel, precision aperture sights, and upgraded target stock to produce an exceptionally accurate competition rifle while retaining the rifle’s historic military heritage. This antique target rifle remains in Fine to Excellent condition following its arsenal rework, retaining approximately 90% of its arsenal-applied metal finish. The metal surfaces exhibit only light thinning, scattered scratches, small nicks, and faint patina, while the action shows minimal operational wear. The bright bore retains sharp rifling with only faint erosion, resulting in a 9/10 bore rating in this writer’s opinion. The target stock displays only light scratches, pressure dents, and small chips while remaining free of cracks, rating in Very Good condition. The receiver, bolt, and bolt handle remain matching, while the trigger guard is mismatched, consistent with many arsenal target conversions.
Norwegian target-converted Krag rifles occupy a unique niche among military firearms, representing the transition of obsolete service rifles into precision competition arms through official arsenal workmanship. Their combination of the renowned Krag-Jørgensen action, heavy target barrel, precision diopter sights, and specialized stock provides both historical significance and outstanding craftsmanship. This example’s strong bore, high remaining finish, arsenal target configuration, and antique status make it a particularly appealing addition for collectors of Scandinavian military firearms, Krag rifles, and historic target arms. -R.E.