Krag Rear Carbine Sights

U.S. Military Krags
Whig
Posts: 1992
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Whig »

In fairness to the original poster for the previous post, I am starting a new thread dedicated to furthering the discussion about Krag Rear Carbine sights, especially the M1902 and some of its variations.

These are pictures of unmounted and mounted rear sights. The first picture shows the top view of three unmounted carbine sights, M1902 with peep, M1898 and M1902 without peep, left to right. note that the two M1902 sights do not have the flat of the rear view plate stamped as a carbine but the M1898 does show the "c" stamp on the flat in front of the three notches.

The second picture shows these three on the right side with the M1902 with the peep and the M1898 stamped with the "c" on the base and the third picture shows the left side with the M1902 without the peep stamped with the "c" on the base.

These pictures show the differences in the binding knobs for the slide adjustments on the leaves, the various numbering patterns on the leaves and the different designs of the side of the leaves for securing the slides. These differences are left to another long post.
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Whig
Posts: 1992
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Whig »

These pictures show two mounted Krag carbine sights for further comparison of different variations seen. The first picture shows the top view of a M1898 carbine sight and a M1902 carbine sight with the peep. Note the alteration of the middle notch of the M1898 sight where someone filed the notch deeper, below the "c" stamp on the flat part.

The next picture is the right side of both, note both are stamped on the right side of the base with the "c", and the last picture shows the left sides of both. These, again, are to show variations seen in carbine sights, even within the same model year.
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Whig
Posts: 1992
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Whig »

These pictures show the difference in some rarely seen M1896 sights, rifle and carbine, where the rear lug is raised up with a high hump, likely because the early M1896 sights were made with parts left over from the M1892 rear sights that all had the high hump. These are both M1896 carbine sights, with graduations to 20 and stamped with a "c" above the 19 on the top right of the leaf. (Also stamped "c" on the right side of the base, often obscured when mounted by the hand guard wood.)

The first picture shows two M1896 mounted carbine sights (the left one is nicely refinished) side by side showing the raised lug behind the leaf. This is the lug above the hinge for the leaf.

The second picture shows a M1896 carbine sight on the left with the raised lug next to a M1896 carbine sight without the raised lug. This (the right sight) is how most M1896 rear sights, carbine and rifle, look. Note how flat the lug is compared to the raised lug on the left sight.

Note also the slight indent or depression about 1/2 inch long where the notch in the slide is. This depressed section is only seen on the carbine M1896 slides. Another detail in the myriad mix of Krag slides.

If I made any errors in my postings, please let me know. These exercises help me learn more about these differences also. It's a great learning exercise to study these and try to explain the differences with pictures.

These are posted just for those interested in seeing some of these very confusing variations you can read about in most of the good Krag books available.

Thanks and enjoy!
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butlersrangers
Posts: 9827
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by butlersrangers »

Nice sights and pictures Whig, Thanks!

Two of your 1902 carbine sights have the elevation 'locking-knob' that was slotted for the rimless .30-03 cartridge.

Your third 1902 sight, that is actually mounted on a model 1899 carbine, has the earlier type of knob, that was slotted for the .30-40 cartridge rim.

You have the 1902 carbine sight variant with the "C" stampeded on the left side of the base.

You've got some rare ones!

Ned Butts
Site Admin
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Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2002 5:02 am
Location: Western Catskills NY

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Ned Butts »

Agreed nice sights and info thanks for posting!!!i

Whig
Posts: 1992
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Whig »

Thanks. It's a labor of love!

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butlersrangers
Posts: 9827
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by butlersrangers »

It's a labor of Lust! :lol:

Zac952
Posts: 159
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 1:37 am

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Zac952 »

Quite the wealth of information on these sights on here as of late! The tangent sights are very interesting to me and I would very much like to add one to my collection, I am trying to find one to put on my rifle that came with no handguard or sight. I currently have a 1901 sight and handguard on it, the big thing holding me back is a handguard for a reasonable price. Also Whig I think your missing one sight variation, here is a picture
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If you didn't know, Bubba worked at Springfield Armory for a short time, this may have been why he was let go. Lol this sight has been on eBay for a few months and I cringe every time I see it.

Whig
Posts: 1992
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by Whig »

Lots to cringe at when Bubba is set loose!

I think I'll let that sight go to someone else.

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butlersrangers
Posts: 9827
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan

Re: Krag Rear Carbine Sights

Post by butlersrangers »

There is a whole under-appreciated Krag sight collecting category - "Fakes and Fabrications".

IMHO - Every well rounded Krag collection should have a butterfly case with examples of sight curiosities: some outright frauds and some creative repurposing.

Attached photo shows a contrived sight, that is so clean and tidy it would fool many.
Attachments
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