Krag Collectors Association Forum

"In the range of..." means absolutely nothing. Actually, it means it isn't documented and has no additional value based on any known history. It's a marketing scheme to catch the novice who is easily convinced of claimed added value when there is none.

Mike4MSU wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2026 11:55 pm There’s a couple of legitimate 1899 carbines for sale on GB right now. One is currently $800 and another a few hundred more. There’s also a constabulary carbine used in the Philippines that has some interest but currently just under $1,000.Not many of those around. A true 1896 is quite the first step into carbines. Unless money is no concern, I’d lean towards an 1899 carbine and enjoy it.

Constabulary carbines can be considered something that can be FAKED in the modern times. The same with 1896 carbines. Spin on a carbine barrel to a rifle receiver, pay for a carbine stock and hand guard, and Bob's your uncle, presto an uber rare M1896 Carbine carried by Roosevelt's horse, Trigger. ...to the unknowing and unresearched.

Buy the gun not the story. Get the M1899. Check the bore condition and the overall appearance.

Watch out for "Philippine Constabulary Rifles". There is exactly one (1) specimen in the entire US - owned by a member here - that is believed by certain knowledgable collectors to be a legit PCR as actually modified AT the Manila Ordnance Depot. One.

99.99% of them (and that's not counting those which are out-and-out fakes) will prove to be "school guns" made by the thousands for US college ROTC units, prior to 1910. They are "interesting" and certainly a collectible variation, but not worth much (if any) premium over a normal service carbine.

I'd definitely recommend starting with a Model 1899 until you become a LOT more knowledgeable as to what is and what isn't - that will save you untold grief...

Gentlemen, this is a lot of great info, again, thanks for all the thoughts.

I have ordered the Poyer book (Amazon $29) and will focus on the 1899, you're right, all I'm really wanting is a good quality shooter with at least reasonable condition. I will peruse Gunbroker as well!

Lots of information, photos and useful discussions, are available for free, by searching the KCA Forum's earlier pages.