Grandpa's Krag

[Sturgeon]

I’m new to the forum and just got my grandfather’s Krag rifle. I can remember fondling it 50 years ago and it has finally made it into my greedy hands! I have a few rifles in my safe but this is my first Krag and I know nothing about them. Based on what I read on the forum already, I ordered Joe Poyer’s book but don’t have it yet.
Attached are some pictures and I would welcome any comments regarding what I have. The barrel is 24” but, assuming it should be crowned, I believe it has been cut down. The front site seems to be sort of cobbled on. I tried to get pictures of what I assume are proof marks on the bolt handle and the “door” on the butt plate, which I assume is for a cleaning rod? There also appears to be a couple extra holes on the left side of the receiver. I don't see any evidence of a cartouche on the stock.
At any rate, what I have read so far on the forum has me very interested in these rifles. All I knew up to this point is that they exist. I knew none of the history until I started reading here and am interested to learn more. Thanks in advance for any comments.

[Sturgeon]

More pics

[Sturgeon]

Last pic

[butlersrangers]

'Sturgeon', welcome to the KCA Forum. It is very cool that you have inherited your Grandfather's Krag!

As you have surmised, it has been altered from its original U.S. Military configuration.
Likely, this was done to make the rifle more handy for 'hunting'.

Your model 1898 Krag, serial number 139104, was assembled around October 1898, at Springfield Armory.
It was an Infantry rifle with a barrel that was 30 inches long. The stock extended within inches of the muzzle and had provision for 'fixing' a bayonet.

There are a number of civilian alterations that have been performed on your grandfather's Krag:

The model 1896 rear-sight has had the sight 'leaf' replaced with a modified leaf from a Modelo 1891 - Argentine Mauser.
Two holes have been drilled & tapped into your Krag's side-plate, probably to anchor an offset scope-mount.
The rifle barrel and stock forearm have been shortened. The barrel was re-crowned and a commercial front sight-base was soldered to the barrel.
Some type of 'homemade' sight blade has been glued into the commercial base dovetail.
The barrel-band appears to be installed 'backwards' and is very canted. The band's "U" marking should be on the right-side of the rifle.

The bolt markings are likely production lot numbers. The markings on the butt-plate and trap-door are inspection and fitting numbers.
The butt-trap was intended to hold three cleaning-rod sections and an oil bottle.

[Sturgeon]

Thanks for your comments. I know both my grandpa and my dad hunted with this rifle. Back then, I don’t think collectible counted for much! I did receive Poyer’s book today and I’m looking forward to learning more about the Krag rifles. Hope I don’t develop another addiction! Thanks again.

[butlersrangers]

With a family heirloom, like yours, I recommend using and shooting it, as altered by your grandfather and Dad.

If you want to 'dress up' your Krag a bit, a replacement side-plate costs about $20.
The forearm tip could be simply plugged or added to and reshaped.
The front sight-base 'dovetail' could be cleaned-out and a proper sight-blade installed.

These steps would give your Krag a more pleasing appearance.

A Krag model 1896 rifle rear-sight and original butt-trap contents are shown in attached photos.

[Sturgeon]

Thanks again for the info and suggestions. Also appreciate the pictures. Maybe at some point I will dress it up a little bit I was thinking the same as you, I’m going to shoot it. May even take it to the woods if I can shoot it accurately.

Also, thanks for the welcome to the forum! It looks like there is a lot I can learn here.

[waterman]

If it were my rifle with the same family connections, used by grandfather and father, I wouldn't change anything. The memories and family stories are what should be preserved. So few of us have anything like that.

After much thought, I might turn the barrel band around. And I might try to find a scope mount that would fit those holes.

[Sturgeon]

Thanks, Waterman. I’m thinking I won’t change anything. I like the idea of having it like they used it. Maybe I will learn more about Krags and look for one that is more original, or that I could make more original. With this one, though, I agree with your first thought. Nice to have the family history.