My first Krag is a carbine

[garra]

Hi,

New to this forum been collecting various rifles for a few years mostly European. Just got my first Krag which is a cabine, date on receiver is 1894 and it has a 4 digit serial 9445. Made in Feb of 1895. Stock is a carbine stock (32"), no filling at all has the clip to hold the front band on there. Never had swivels installed. Has to be a cut down unit as the front sight is incorrect, saw that after I bid on it. Hand guard is 9 1/2 long has 2 clips. I haven't removed rifle from stock yet, but I plan to just to see what markings I will find. Attached a couple of pictures.

[Top Dean]

you have a 1894 Rife that was cutdown as a carbine probily duing the 20's. I have one with the serial number 6351. Over all you have a nice looking rife/carbine, not sure what you paid, but will cost you a small fourtine, new stock, new barrel and all of the rifle hardware. you have the right sight for your rifle from what I can see. I wish to restore mine to the way it was made as I have a Model 1896 Carbine. Hope to help you if you need more help.

[butlersrangers]

garra: What is the highest number on your model 1896 rear sight ladder? The Rifle version is '18' and common. The Carbine version is marked '20', and also 'C', and worth a lot of money.

[garra]

I checked the sight and I am afraid it is a rifle sight, goes to 18 and no C :-[
Took a casting of the bore, not primo, but I was planning on using lead bullets, saw there was a lot variations in sizes slightly greater than .308.
Took it apart last night, the stock apears to be an original carbine, has the 3 holes in the top cavity in the butt. Lightening cut outs on the forestock. Looked for the serial on the side cover as I read that they were IDed up until around 10000, no luck there, maybe worn, not sure where to really look.
Don't plan on even trying to restore it I will just keep a look out for a long rifle. Took me awhile to find my trap door, but one just popped up at the right price, great condition, so I am not in a hurry.

[psteinmayer]

Is it just me, or does it appear to anyone else that there are file marks on top of the extractor hump? Should that be flat?

Just an observation...

Paul

[Dick Hosmer]

It's not just you, should be smoothly rounded, mark of the beast (bubba), I didn't want to be the first! :-(

[butlersrangers]

The side-plate screw looks long, like its head is projecting from the side-plate. I wonder if the screw is from a Redfield 'no-drill' peep sight that may have been on this altered Krag and the extractor hump was filed down for sight clearance.

[tanker]

The side-plate screw looks long, like its head is projecting from the side-plate. I wonder if the screw is from a Redfield 'no-drill' peep sight that may have been on this altered Krag and the extractor hump was filed down for sight clearance.

I think that is very plausible and quite likely IMO.

[psteinmayer]

I agree... With that screw turned out that far, I think the side plate would unseat somewhat if a load of rounds were in the magazine.

Makes perfect sense that the hump was filed flat for that reason... although my sporter had a Redfield on it and my hump was not filed down... and I never had a problem.

Total Bubba!!!

[butlersrangers]

garra: A real Krag side-plate screw is not too hard to obtain. If your current screw is a Redfield, someone will really want it, as is. I can send you a Krag screw in exchange, if you need one.