High serial number 1898 rifle.

U.S. Military Krags
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l.cutler
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:34 pm

High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by l.cutler »

Hello, I just got a model 1898 rifle with a high serial number, 476,072. The rifle is a little crusty on the surface but seems completely unmolested and doesn't seem like it has seen much use. There are no stock markings except a small 21 behind the triggerguard. Were these late rifles not issued and hence never got the inspectors marks, etc. on the stock? I also have a well worn example made in 1899, but thought this one might dmake a good shooter. Thanks for any help!

FredC
Posts: 1991
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 4:38 pm
Location: Dewees Texas

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by FredC »

It is possible it saw very little use or was heavily used and rebuilt with a new stock and missing the usual marks. We sure like to see pictures, even if it is still a coin toss afterwards, we will have enjoyed the photos.

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

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by butlersrangers »

'i.cutler' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

Your Krag, #476072, was likely assembled around August, 1903. It is very likely that your rifle's current stock was not its first stock.

There were extra Krag stocks available to armorers. These stocks were devoid of markings, except sub-inspector markings (small initials or digits) located on the bottom of the stock, behind the trigger-guard.

If a stock was replaced in the field or a civilian hobbyist installed a 'surplus unused spare' replacement, it would explain your rifle's lack of markings.

BTW - We would enjoy seeing some nice clear photos of your Krag rifle and carbine.

l.cutler
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:34 pm

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by l.cutler »

Thanks guys, very helpful I appreciate it. I really have to figure the whole picture thing out, not much for technology, guess that is why I am into the older rifles!

l.cutler
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:34 pm

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by l.cutler »

Thanks again for the info, I've begun to clean it up. Lots of crusted up grease and speckles of surface rust. Not to worry, though I am only wiping down with ballistol, cleaning out the old grease and oil and re-lubing. My other Krag is actually a model 1898 rifle as well but with an 1899 build date. I got lucky on that one it is a srs hit, issued to the 32nd US Volunteer infantry which served in the Phillipines. I doubt I would be that lucky with this one though.

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P0H0
Posts: 243
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2022 9:52 pm
Location: Northeast Ohio

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by P0H0 »

Another high serial number Krag — 482609.

I picked it up as a complete receiver off of Gun Broker the other day. I have ordered in all the other miscellaneous parts and have a walnut new stock and hand guard for it and a second rifle. Both are being sent to CMP Custom shop for bluing, new criterion barrels, and safety testing.
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Whig
Posts: 1992
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by Whig »

POHO- Welcome on Christmas Day 2022 to KCA! You have quite the rebuild project here with a Krag rifle receiver built at Springfield Armory sometime late August 1903. As nice as this is, it is amazing to be almost 120 years old! The CMP can install a new Criterion barrel and do a great job. You are going to be searching for nice replacement parts for this Krag rifle but there are many available. I would suggest using www.granpasgunparts.com as much as possible. He's a nice, honest Krag parts dealer that many of us use. Most of the Krag parts available on ebay are from people who buy nice Krags and tear them a part to make money off selling the parts. There are other dealers available on the internet, also, if you need parts. Keep us informed of your progress and show more pictures when possible. Also, start looking for ammunition if you don't already have some. It's out there but getting harder to find and pricey. Any factory ammo is good to use in your Krag when it gets rebuilt. Don't use reloads that you have no idea about. Might cause damage to you and/or your rifle. Keep empty brass to reload. Krag .30-40 Ammo is easy and fun to reload.

Thanks for sharing and good luck!

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P0H0
Posts: 243
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2022 9:52 pm
Location: Northeast Ohio

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by P0H0 »

Here are some photos of 242668 being fitted to a new stock. Previous stock was sporterized and then corrected with a new front — wood didn’t match at all.
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Last edited by P0H0 on Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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P0H0
Posts: 243
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2022 9:52 pm
Location: Northeast Ohio

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle

Post by P0H0 »

Thanks Whig!

It’s been a lot of fun so far — I originally set out to do one rifle but since I had a second new stock….

I did see Grandpa’s, but the website was closed for the holiday. I ended up using S&S and Numrich.

I do need to track down some hand guard clips, so Grandpa’s will be my last shot at finding some. Otherwise it’s going to be custom made clips. So if you got a line on 4 hand guard clips, it would be much appreciated.

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

Re: High serial number 1898 rifle.

Post by Whig »

That's a beautiful stock job you are doing. I don't know of any hand guard clips I have seen available with any regularity. You will probably have to fabricate your own. There have been a couple discussions here on KCA about that before but I am not experienced fabricating them. But, your Krag will be top notch and something to be quite proud of, it appears. Thanks for keeping the pictures updated!

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