Question on sights!

U.S. Military Krags
TheFlynn01
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2020 11:22 pm

Question on sights!

Post by TheFlynn01 »

Hello everyone! I fixed the stock on my Krag, and got her out to shoot and its a blast! I only have one question, the front sight is hard for me to see, any tips? Paint or something I can remove? Did Krags have any scopes? Thank you much for all the info!

Whig
Posts: 2006
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Question on sights!

Post by Whig »

Hi, Flynn.

You ask a good question about your Krag's front sight. It is hard to pick up quickly and focus on when you are shooting. With the rifle 30 inch barrel, there's a long sighting distance to be able to have both in focus while looking at your target.

I'll add a couple points and others may chime in with comments also.

First, you need good light on your front sight to be able to see it well. It is dark and yes you can paint a little bright paint on to pick it up easier, if you wish. I make sure my front sight blade is sharp to give me a good edge to focus with.

Many Krag rifles and carbines have been adapted and altered to have a peep rear sight back near the bolt or a scope mount from drilling and tapping the left receiver to place a mount on. These sporterized Krags that have been permanently altered lose much, if not all, of their military collectible value. But, they can be good hunting or shooting rifles with the scope or peep sight. There are some "no drill" peep sights that can be used. This peep sight still uses the front sight blade to focus with.

Keep in mind, also, with open metal sights like on the Krag that you are trying to bring into focus three different distances at once- your rear sight notch or peep hole, your front sight blade and your target. This is really impossible, so, you have to have something slightly out of focus.

This is the skill of sighting- to use these three points to repeatedly be able to have a good sight picture before pulling (pressing) the trigger. Many people spend years trying to accomplish this. Most people have vision problems that make sighting like this difficult. Astigmatism can make sighting challenging as can regular age changes in vision.

We have also discussed the benefits of one Krag rear sight compared to others.

So, there are a few thoughts on your good question. Lighting, focus and steadiness make for good shooting practice with open sights.

Good luck and keep us informed!

TheFlynn01
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2020 11:22 pm

Re: Question on sights!

Post by TheFlynn01 »

What would you recommend to brighten up the end sight? What kinda paint?

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butlersrangers
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Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan

Re: Question on sights!

Post by butlersrangers »

FWIW:

'Day-Glo' nail polish will make a sight-blade stand out!

1 power reading glasses help me see the sights more clearly. (I'm 'far-sighted' and only need glasses, 2X, for reading and close work).

You can make a thicker front-blade and thin the lower part to fit into the front-base 'slot'.

TheFlynn01
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2020 11:22 pm

Re: Question on sights!

Post by TheFlynn01 »

Hmmm Day glo I will look into that thank you.

What about scopes? What scope, if any, did the Krag have? What can be used without drilling into my gun, because I refuse to do that.

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butlersrangers
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Re: Question on sights!

Post by butlersrangers »

How much money ya got?ImageImage

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butlersrangers
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Re: Question on sights!

Post by butlersrangers »

Probably, the best Scope option is a 'rail', that places a long eye-relief Scope out on the barrel, 'Scout Rifle' style.
This barrel mount uses the rear-sight holes and requires the hand-guard and rear-sight be left off the rifle.

A vendor, "Kraghaus", listed in KCA Classifieds, makes and sells this mount.

The S&K company makes a 'no-drill' scope-mount for the U.S. Krag. This mount is off-set to the left and requires the removal of some stock wood.

Receiver mounted scopes on the Krag have to be 'off-set' to allow ejection. Also, some type of 'cheek-pad' is needed or you soon get a stiff neck.
There may also be interference with using the issue 'safety'.

BTW - There are lots of Krags, often cheap, that have been 'drilled and tapped' for a scope. Sometimes an extra, 'special purpose', Krag is a good idea!

Attached photo - A model 1898 carbine ruined by scope holes, but, still a useful 'shooter'.ImageImage

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Dick Hosmer
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Re: Question on sights!

Post by Dick Hosmer »

Has anyone ever seen a 'scope mount which only attaches to the side plate? Would seem that is something that should have been explored, back in the day. Would have saved a LOT of receivers.

Ned Butts
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Re: Question on sights!

Post by Ned Butts »

Has anyone ever seen a 'scope mount which only attaches to the side plate? Would seem that is something that should have been explored, back in the day. Would have saved a LOT of receivers.

I had one custom made years ago and it works quite well. Modified a shotgun side mount and had it welded on to a spare side plate. I will dig it out for pics this afternoon

Whig
Posts: 2006
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Question on sights!

Post by Whig »

Good idea. How come Bubba never thought of that? Woulda saved a bunch of Krags!

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