In this deep-dive episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com welcome researcher Justin Baird for a fascinating look at one of the most underrated rifles in U.S. history—the Krag-Jørgensen—and the two men who made it possible.
More than just another bolt-action military rifle, the Krag-Jørgensen carries a story rooted in international innovation, unexpected design breakthroughs, and a friendship forged in engineering. From Ole Krag’s privileged upbringing and passion for machinery to Erik Jørgensen’s humble beginnings on a Norwegian farm, we explore how two very different men came together to revolutionize magazine-fed firearms in the late 19th century.
Justin walks us through their backgrounds, their collaboration, and how their rifle went on to be adopted not just by Denmark and Norway, but also by the United States—becoming America’s first smokeless powder service rifle. The episode also unpacks how myths around Krag "stealing" credit from Jørgensen persist to this day, despite their genuine partnership.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Origins of Ole Krag and Erik Jørgensen:
Learn how one was the son of a prominent clergyman and the other the child of a rural blacksmith—and how their paths converged at Kongsberg’s state arsenal in Norway.
Innovation Through Cooperation:
Justin explains how Krag’s early designs and Jørgensen’s mechanical skill merged to create a modular magazine system that would reshape military arms trials across Europe and the U.S.
The Capsule Magazine That Changed Everything:
Why Krag’s “half capsule” design appealed to the Danish military, how it evolved, and how its quirks shaped the future of combat shooting strategies.
Adoption in America:
How U.S. Army trials led to the adoption of the Krag-Jørgensen, the tailored changes that made it uniquely American, and why it was eventually phased out in favor of the 1903 Springfield.
The Krag-Jørgensen Company’s Rise—and Fall:
The lucrative U.S. contract that kept the company alive, the Sultan of Turkey’s surprise offer, and how it all came crashing down when both money and momentum ran out.
Tragedy and Legacy:
The untimely death of Erik Jørgensen and the public speculation that followed. Justin shares how Krag spent the rest of his life defending Jørgensen’s role in their joint success.
Guest:
Justin Baird – Researcher and Krag-Jørgensen historian
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