Krag side-plate mount

[butlersrangers]

Recently 'John M11' asked in the 'Modified Krag Section' about scope-mounts that used the Krag side-plate. He has a model 1898 Krag that was 'sporterized' and has two widely spaced tapped holes in its side-plate.

When I responded on his thread, I could not recall any scope-mount that used the side-plate. I ran across reference to one, yesterday, I had forgotten about.

In 1901, seven Model 1898 Krags had the Cataract telescopic sight installed for field trials. The rigs apparently performed well, but, were not pursued further.

(Note: The spacing of the holes on 'John M11's side-plate is more extreme than the Cataract mounting system).

[reincarnated]

Could a Cataract scope setup be duplicated with one of those long MVA scopes? Looks possible to me.

[butlersrangers]

I think that would be a fun project and would only require altering a side plate and barrel band. It would probably be more comfortable if you shoot right handed, but, could sight with your left-eye.

I would love to study one of these mounts. It appears the front ring pivoted on the barrel-band and that the rear ring could quickly be adjusted for different target distances.

Just the rig for 'Vintage Sniper Matches' !

[psteinmayer]

Ok... Now you've peeked my interest (Vintage Sniper Match). Hmmmmmm Could you imagine a Krag taking that title?

[John M11]

Oh this is cool. Someone, can't remember who or on what board, mentioned that the side plate was fairly thin and probably wouldn't provide enough threads for a secure hold. I wonder if that experiment used a modified side plate or if the mounting to the barrel band provided enough stability?

Being the sight/scope set up wasn't ever issued, only an experiment, would it be allowed in the vintage sniper competition ? I remember that there was some wording in the rules that was a general description of what was allowed. But mostly I remember that specific rifle/scope combinations were allowed.

Mine could be brought back to military configuration. I can't imagine the cost of doing so though.

[butlersrangers]

It was I, that said, the Krag side-plate is thin. The Cataract mount appears to have a thick block that was 'anchored' to the side-plate.

[John M11]

http://ww2.rediscov.com/spring/VFPCGI.exe?IDCFile=/spring/DETAILS.IDC,SPECIFIC=15012,DATABASE=objects,

Just adding what i can find.

I'm trying to find something on the Caaract scope

[butlersrangers]

I guess I will order a copy of this 1899 reprint from Cornell Publications. Hopefully, it shows better detail of the Cataract Mount.

Note - The catalog page shows a (Long) Lee-Enfield with the Cataract equipment.

[gnoahhh]

Were it me I would solder the scope base to a side plate and not risk the screw threads being too shallow. Use a separate plate from the one that's original to the rifle, too, for posterity reasons.

[butlersrangers]

Yes 'gnoahhh', those are all good ideas. I am thinking Cataract Tool did something like soldering a block or base on a side-plate.

If I ever pursue making a 'replica Cataract rig', I will use a side-plate and barrel-band that someone ruined by 'refinishing'.