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My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2021 5:43 pm
by GregTN
I saw my first Krag in the TN State Military Museum and was impressed by it's unique action and history. Now, almost twenty years later I have what I suspect will be my first but probably not only Krag.

I had driven a couple of hours away to drop off a recalcitrant shotgun at a Browning service center, and while perusing the wares found a sporterized Krag. After some contemplation, I decided to pass figuring I would enjoy a mil-surp rifle more. But for the next two weeks that decision rested uneasily on my mind, and I resolved that if the rifle was still there when I returned to pick up my shotgun I would acquire it for my own. It was, and I did. What I have is a model 1898, built in 1899. I'm sure that you folks know more than me, but I suspect, given the front sight, that it is a cutdown rifle. It has a Redfield 102 rear sight, missing the aperture which I already have on order from eBay. All in all I am very pleased with my purchase and plan on keeping it as/is and enjoying it as a shooter.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qQK2nq ... sp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Obar2l ... sp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10qVNyr ... sp=sharing

Re: My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2021 10:32 pm
by FredC
Welcome to the KCA! Your sporter has a lot going on and I mean that in a good way. Nice looking custom stock. Always a concern because a Krag needs a forward attachment to keep the action from trying to jump out of the stock when fired. I see at least one and there maybe another. Your Krag has a "beauty ring" forward of the receiver. These are an often used point for a hold down screw, so the reason I thought you may have more than one. Checked that box. Your front sight was altered when the barrel was shortened.

Would like to see more pictures and know how it shoots.

Re: My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 12:12 am
by Ned Butts
That is a well done sporter and should be a fun shooter. If you do not already then now is the time to take up reloading. Might need to ease into it with the current market but in the long run much cheaper than factory loads.

Re: My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 7:23 pm
by GregTN
Yes, I have already bought some dies to reload them. I don't reload but have a family member who will take care of me if I buy the supplies. I paid $54 for a single box of 20 rounds to be able to shoot it now, but promptly looked into reloading. I'll post more pictures of it as requested later.

Re: My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 2:59 am
by butlersrangers
Nice Krag sporter! Welcome to the KCA Forum. Enjoy your rifle.

Re: My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 2:32 pm
by FredC
Looking at it again, I think this was done by a fairly talented gunsmith. There were a few doing this that had a very good reputation and their work now brings a premium. You might look for clues to the name of the individual that did the work. Whether it was just a good gunsmith that did the conversion or one of the big name guys it sure looks good.

Re: My first Krag (1898 Sporterized)

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 6:59 pm
by GregTN
A few more photos of the action and barrel. If there is anything I can post for more info from the experts here, please walk me through it! I appreciate all the compliments and insight so far.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wU5W5thdM73MwK1q8