question about model 1898

[jeeppilot]

I have a question, I've been trying to learn as much as I can about a springfield model 1898, Ive done some reading and it seems to be "sporterized" but It is still a beautiful rifle. One thing I can't seem to figure out is the side door on mine opens swinging forward rather than down as in the other ones I've seen online. I did find (i think) a denmark version that had the door swing forward, but that wouldn't be a springfield correct? the serial # is 401### so it should be 1903. Any help on the side door would be great. I'll get some pix and load them tomorrow.
Blessings. James

[Dick Hosmer]

Evidently, the magazine cover was modified as part of the "sporterizing" process. Some of the old-time gunsmiths did this - it reduces capacity to 3 or 4 but gets rid of the boxy projection. All US Krags had the "down" motion originally. There were many ways of making the alteration - pics should prove interesting.

[jeeppilot]

thank you for your reply, that helps. I'll get some pics up soon. Really is a good looking rifle, can't believe its from 1903.
james

[jeeppilot]

posted a few pics....:)
james

[jeeppilot]

and a few more

[butlersrangers]

'Jeeppilot': You have a nicely done sport/hunting conversion of a U.S. Model 1898 Infantry rifle. Back in the 1920s and 1930s they liked to make 'sporterized' military rifles thin, hence the altered magazine gate, Dick Hosmer has described.
Your banded-ramp front sight appears to be a Lyman. Your rear 'peep' sight appears to be a Redfield #102-K ('no drill') receiver sight.
You have a nice hunting rig. Not collectable to most Krag fanciers but fun to use!