1896 bolt vs 1898

[Benjamin 1975]

Hi all,

I just bought a 1898 #458010. Mfg 1902??

The bolt is very pitted and was thinking to order a replacement while I am cleaning the rifle up before I shoot it.

Is this bolt a 1896 and is it okay to use in a 1898? I noticed the gas vent and wondered if they used that same style bolt in an 1898?

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[FredC]

On your bolt I cannot tell how deep the rust is. Some cleaning with liberal amounts of penetrating oil and fine steel wool might make it look better and reveal it is in not so bad shape. Others will be able to tell the difference between early and late production bolts.

A few years ago we did some measuring to see if any of the marks and stamps indicated bolt size relating to headspace. Our test was not conclusive. But I have a couple of new old stock bolts left over. One has been thoroughly cleaned and the handling dings have been carefully honed smooth. If you would want one or the other, the one that had the cosmoline on the outside cleaned off to facilitate measuring will be Grandpa's list price, the thoroughly cleaned (inside and out) and massaged one will be +$5.00. If you need any other parts from Grandpa's you might just order everything direct to save hassle.

[Benjamin 1975]

Thank you Fred. I will check out Granpas.

It is very pitted where the bolt is exposed when in the receiver. No rust. The picture is bad. I will send a new one.

Thank you

[Benjamin 1975]

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[butlersrangers]

It is very nice to have a New Old Stock Krag bolt in your parts box. It's a good investment.

The 1898 bolt is generally less expensive and will fit all U.S. Krag models.
The 'flat' (on the bottom the 1898 bolt-handle) is longer, running about 1/2 of the bolt 'handle' length.

This is the easiest way to tell the difference between 1896 and 1898 bolts.

[butlersrangers]

The longer 'flat' of the model 1898 U.S. Krag Bolt was required,
due to major changes introduced on the model 1898 action (and stock), in the bolt-handle 'recess' area.

The 1898 bolt functions perfectly on the earlier model 1892 and 1896 U.S. Krags.

It may be an optical illusion, but, I think the OP does have a model 1896 bolt on his model 1898 Krag.
Some stock wood was likely removed from the handle 'recess', to allow the early-bolt to fully rotate 'closed'.
(This was not an armory or arsenal modification)!

[Benjamin 1975]

I compared my bolt to the pictures. It is 1896. The action is a bit clunky, for a rifle that is known as smooth, but I have never shot a Krag. Doesn't hurt to grab another bolt, and the prices are fine.

Thanks for all the assistance everyone.