Another "tell me about my Krag" thread!

[saxdogg]

Excellent observations, I did notice the bore actually, and also all the other listings that sold their votes were nice and shiny. I'm ok with the stock crack/repair if it's solid, I will ask about that.

I will probably keep looking honestly, I'm in no hurry really. I still need to check out the one listed a little earlier with all the pics.....gotta get some time tonight.

[saxdogg]

Dang. The GB one looks great! I'd would buy if the bids does not go too high. Ask the seller how long or times it has been on GB. Just to see if it has been there a while with no takers. If it has been there more than a couple of times, because sellers will relist an item, the odds of you winning it is better than average.

Here is the link to the other.

https://www.gundersonmilitaria.com/carb ... fl011.html

Culpeper, on the Gunderson one, how do you feel about the $1250? I'd be asking if there was some room on it anyways, but assuming the bore is nice, thoughts on fairness of price overall? Thx

[Dick Hosmer]

I agree with Culpeper - between those two, I like the GB one better - and you have a $450 cushion to begin with, actually more because you'd have to add $150 at least to make the Gunderson right...

[butlersrangers]

'Whig' - has a wonderful eye for details.
I am very skeptical of the condition of this model 1899 carbine on GunBroker.
It is listed as being in "excellent" condition, but, the repaired broken stock, gloss stock finish, and rough bore photos, indicate it is not in 'Excellent' condition.
I suspect the finish of some of the metal parts may have been augmented.

In the digital age, it is very easy to take clear and useful photos.
The numerous pictures in this listing are poorly focused and appear intended to deceive and hide key details.
(The seller seems forthcoming about the repaired stock, but, clearly states he will not supply better photos).

The seller's model 1901 sight has a carbine 'leaf', but, the base has a false "C" marking on the right-hand side.
Left-side views of the sight base defy my attempts to get a clear view of what should be distinct carbine markings.

Nowadays, $800 to $900 may not seem like a lot of money for a Krag carbine.
But, if the item disappoints the buyer, he will probably end up hating it!

(I know, I won't pay $900 for a $600 to $700 gun, that would be tough to re-sell at a gun show).
This example does not look like a promising 'shooter' and it is not a 'Safe Queen' It's kind of a "meh" Krag!

[Mike4MSU]

All excellent observations. I did a very quick search on GB to see what was available. At first glance, this seems reasonably priced. Might still be. But there are also many questions and I completely agree it is not in the excellent shape the seller purports based on bore and stock alone. I don’t know the sellers price target, but finding a true carbine in good or better shape is increasingly difficult to find even under $1,500. If his budget is low and this one stays under $800-$900 it may still be decent as you can right most of what’s wrong (except bore). But if he has a budget to go say $500-$800 higher, there are substantially nicer examples that come up for sale. Ones that need no work and have a good to excellent bore. The $800 GB carbine is certainly more correct than the original one purchased, but if he’s looking for a nicer, correct carbine and has a larger budget, I’d pass and keep looking. All depends on what he wants and is able to spend.

[saxdogg]

This forum is great, I must say! Good continuing discussion on this....

I think I've decided to pass on the GB. I try to live by "buy the bore" mentality, and I can't get past it I don't think.

I'll get the book in and use it to suss one out over time. Although emotion I guess drove me to buy the one I originally posted about, I'm in no hurry in reality.

If someone happens to just see another great one that's correct on all fronts, feel free to DM me!

[Whig]

saxxdog,

I would consider evaluating this Krag to purchase. It passes my inspection for what it is. A known Krag variant that started life as a carbine but has been placed in a cut down rifle stock and has been turned down for a bayonet. These are called "School Rifles". They were often used by students at military schools for drills, etc. It is in excellent condition, the stock looks great, it is listed as having an excellent bore and the price is excellent. Might not last long. These school rifles are very nice and not seen real often. There is no cartouche but that's fine. The rear sight is a correct Model 1901 carbine rear sight. I can't see the top leaf but it is probably OK. I don't see the serial number but it is listed as a Model 1899 carbine altered for a bayonet and sling. You can ask the seller more questions.

But, this might be an excellent choice. See what others say!

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... =103508950