What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What is the Krag-Jorgensen M1889 rifle?

The Krag-Jorgensen M1889 is a bolt-action rifle that became the official weapon for the Danish army in 1889. It was built to be a strong and reliable tool for infantry soldiers to use in battle. This rifle served the country for many years and helped Denmark protect its land.

What was special about how this rifle was loaded?

This rifle had a unique door on the side that opened up to hold bullets. Soldiers could drop cartridges into this side gate without needing to open the main bolt. This design was smart because it helped keep dirt out of the moving parts and let soldiers reload their weapons very quickly.

Did Danish soldiers use this rifle in big wars?

Yes, Danish troops carried these rifles while guarding their borders during World War I to keep their country safe and neutral. Later, in 1940, Danish soldiers held these same rifles while they fought against the German invasion. It was the main rifle used by the army during those difficult times.

Where was the Krag-Jorgensen M1889 made?

This rifle was built inside the country of Denmark. It was produced at a large government facility called the Kobenhavns Tojhus. Having a local factory meant the Danish army could make and repair their own weapons easily.

What happened to the rifles after Denmark was occupied during World War II?

Even after the country was occupied in 1940, these rifles did not disappear. Many of them were taken and hidden away by brave Danish resistance fighters. These secret groups used the rifles to continue the fight against the occupiers throughout the rest of the war.

Home Library DenmarkKrag-Jorgensen M1889

Bolt-action Rifle

Krag-Jorgensen M1889

A smooth-working bolt-action infantry rifle with a unique side-loading magazine used by Danish soldiers.

Denmark Introduced 1889 Kobenhavns TojhusRole: Standard infantry rifle

Specifications

Weight

9.5 pounds

Length

52 inches

Caliber

8x58mmR

Capacity

5-round internal magazine

History

Denmark adopted the Krag-Jorgensen rifle in 1889 as their standard infantry weapon. It had a unique magazine door on the side that let soldiers drop loose bullets inside without opening the bolt. This helped troops load ammo quickly and kept dirt out of the moving parts.

During World War I, Danish troops guarded their borders with this rifle to keep the country neutral and safe. In World War II, Danish soldiers used it during the fighting against the German invasion in 1940. Even after Denmark was occupied, resistance fighters hid and used these rifles.