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

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and bonus history facts. New episodes drop every Thursday.

In this on-the-road episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com travel to Louisiana for LeverFest and set up shop at the Gun Talk Studios. They’re joined by Chris Ellis, Vice President of Marketing at Timney Triggers, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of aftermarket triggers, the legacy of Timney, and why accuracy matters more than ever.

Chris takes us back to the founding of Timney Triggers in 1946 and explains how the company helped transform old surplus service rifles into capable hunting firearms through affordable, drop-in trigger upgrades. From humble beginnings improving Mausers and Springfields to becoming the go-to name in precision triggers for ARs, shotguns, lever guns, and more, Timney’s journey mirrors the rise of America’s DIY gun culture.

With LeverFest as the backdrop, the group also discusses the growing popularity of tactical lever guns, how user feedback drives Timney’s product development, and what it means to bring consistency and customization to every platform—from Glocks to Mosins.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Origin of Timney Triggers:Chris walks through the early post-WWII days when returning GIs wanted to make their surplus rifles accurate enough for deer season—and how Timney delivered with the first mass-market drop-in trigger.

Drop-In Triggers and Accessibility:No gunsmith? No problem. Learn how Timney’s plug-and-play approach opened up custom triggers to the average shooter and laid the groundwork for today’s home-built precision rifles.

The Rise of the AR and the Modern Era:Chris explains how the early 2000s AR boom pushed Timney to innovate again with cassette-style drop-in AR triggers, expanding their reach beyond bolt guns and into every major firearm platform.

Tactical Lever Guns and the Modern Market:From Marlin’s Dark Series to Smith & Wesson’s new stealth builds, lever guns are getting the modern treatment—and Timney is right in the middle of the movement with upgraded triggers designed for fast-paced precision.

Listening to the Shooter Community:Whether it’s 10/22s, Glocks, shotguns, or even Mosin-Nagants, Timney’s catalog of triggers has been shaped by shooter feedback. If it’s got a trigger, they’re looking at it.

On-the-Range Comparisons:At LeverFest, Logan and Allen shoot both factory and Timney-equipped lever guns side-by-side, revealing how much of a difference a great trigger can make in real time.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Rumble. New episodes release every Thursday.

In this exciting episode of the No Lowballers podcast, Logan Metesh from High Caliber History is joined by Allen Forkner of GunBroker and special guests Ryan Gresham from Gun Talk and legendary gun writer Ron Spomer at Leverfest. Tune in as the team dives deep into the revival of lever action rifles and the rising popularity of these iconic guns, particularly among younger enthusiasts. From historical insights to firsthand experiences at the event, this episode is packed with exciting gun talk and expert opinions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Leverfest Highlights:
• Leverfest is a celebration of all things lever action, and the event did not disappoint. Logan, Allen, Ryan, and Ron give a full recap of their time in Louisiana at the event, including some unforgettable moments testing the latest in lever action rifles.
• The Resurgence of Lever Guns:
• Ryan Gresham and Ron Spomer share their perspectives on the renewed interest in lever guns, a shift that has seen everything from old classics to modern tactical models gaining popularity. This resurgence isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about bringing these guns into the 21st century with improved technology and exciting new features.
• Lever Gun Innovations:
• From suppressed .45-70 to compact .22 lever actions, the event showcased the impressive versatility of lever guns. The podcast highlights some standout models from brands like Marlin, Savage, and Smith & Wesson, which are breathing new life into the lever action rifle market.
• Shooting Challenges at Leverfest:
• The team took part in some thrilling challenges, including shooting plate racks at 100 yards and splitting cards with bullets. The excitement and skill required to master these challenges are discussed in detail, showing why lever guns are not just for collectors—they’re fun to shoot and offer a real challenge for enthusiasts.
• The Tacticool Lever Guns:
• A look at how brands are adding modern touches to classic lever guns. From the Marlin Dark series to the Henry PMAG-fed models, we explore the trend of making lever guns more functional for modern users without losing their vintage charm.
• A Big Family of Gun Manufacturers:
• The podcast captures the camaraderie at Leverfest, where industry leaders like Ruger, Marlin, and Smith & Wesson came together, sharing ideas, discussing future innovations, and celebrating the shared passion for firearms.

Listener Takeaways:

• Why Lever Guns Are More Than Just for Collectors:
• The panel discusses how lever guns offer something for everyone—from casual plinkers to serious hunters and tactical enthusiasts. Whether you're using it for home defense or bear protection, the lever action rifle can be adapted for any need.
• Future of the Lever Action Rifle:
• What’s next for the lever action rifle? We explore the potential future innovations in this category, from new calibers to enhanced optics and accessories that could transform these guns even further.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. New episodes drop every Thursday. #NoLowBallersPodcast #leveraction #leveractionrfiles #leverfest

‍