Vol. VII No. 2
The Danish Gevær M/1889: A Developmental History of the Krag–Jørgensen Rifle in Denmark
Justin Baird
Abstract
The Krag–Jørgensen rifle is perhaps best known in the Anglosphere for the important role it played in shaping America’s modern military, ushering the country into the era of smokeless powder and magazine-fed, repeating firearms at the end of the 19th century. Although several books have been written on the American Krag–Jørgensen models, very little has been written in English on their Scandinavian counterparts. The Krag–Jørgensen rifle, although developed in Norway, was first adopted in Denmark as the Gevær M/1889. The lack of reliable scholarship examining Scandinavian rifles of this period has given rise to a range of false narratives and misinformation connected with the early development of the rifle and its adoption by the Danish armed forces. This article seeks to address these issues head-on, providing a verifiable—if general—narrative of the early development of the weapon and its early trials and adoption.
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Issue: Vol. VII No. 2
Published: 30 Nov 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52357/armax21011
Peer-reviewed?: Yes
Keywords: Krag–Jørgensen, smokeless powder, repeating firearms, capsule magazine, Gevær M/1889, Denmark
Bibliographic Information
Justin Baird, ‘The Danish Gevær M/1889: A Developmental History of the Krag–Jørgensen Rifle in Denmark’, Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms, Vol. VII № 2 (2021), pp. 57–86, <https://doi.org/10.52357/armax21011>.
About the Author
Justin Baird is a Canadian designer, artist, and firearms researcher. He began his career studying Graphic Design & Marketing at Georgian College in Ontario before going on to form his own design and marketing business. He currently serves as the multimedia designer for Helios House Press, Headstamp Publishing, and Armament Research Services (ARES), among others. Mr. Baird also co-founded Northwestern Ordnance in Ontario, a restoration and gunsmithing business. He is currently authoring a book examining the worldwide history of the Krag–Jørgensen rifle. The book aims to discuss the rifle from its initial conception and adoption in Denmark, Norway, and the United States, to its use around the world in different forms, with a reflection on its legacy today.