Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896

[Lead Snowstorm]

I was warned, and indeed my second Krag arrived today, this time shipped straight to my doorstep as an antique. Yep, it was another Gunbroker...find? Impulse buy? Burn? https://www.gunbroker.com/item/832538865

Well, you be the judge! Image dump below:

[Lead Snowstorm]

What I think I know:

1896 rear sight.

1896 stock; no cartouche on the wrist; looks like an old arsenal overhaul with a re-stamped proof.

1896 bolt, I'm pretty sure, when compared to my 1898.

Bore doesn't seem badly pitted, but it swallowed my gauge to 4+; rifling looks pretty worn.

Missing stacking swivel.

Haven't found any marking on the sling.

I have to say, I think I'm finding myself an odd collector's niche - I have a soft spot in my heart for these old been there, done that arsenal rebuilds that are "original from their service" but by no means actually original, pristine examples as far as the purists are concerned. Plenty of better, collector-grade examples are out there I'm sure, but...I'm looking for the ones like these that I hear whispering to me, "bring me on home, you know you want to."

[butlersrangers]

Nice old Battle Rifle, use and enjoy!

I like it.

[h8pvmnt]

Looks good. I'm up to three now. My original grandfather gun that i de sporterized, my 1899 carbine with less than original barrel and a pristine nearly unused 1898 rifle. Keep em alive is my motto. Everyone isn't a pristine collector gun or teddy Roosevelt gun. Good find.

[Culpeper]

That is a dangerous rifle. Very unsafe. Here. Let me save you from a life of regret for buying it. Here's a shiny new five cent piece. Just send the rifle to my address at...

Ya did good. Clean it as best as you can and get out there and shoot it.

Now will the congregation rise and turn to page 1896 in your hymnals and sing with me.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition - Kay Kyser

[Yusuke Komiya]

What I think I know:

1896 rear sight.

1896 stock; no cartouche on the wrist; looks like an old arsenal overhaul with a re-stamped proof.

1896 bolt, I'm pretty sure, when compared to my 1898.

Bore doesn't seem badly pitted, but it swallowed my gauge to 4+; rifling looks pretty worn.

Missing stacking swivel.

Haven't found any marking on the sling.

I have to say, I think I'm finding myself an odd collector's niche - I have a soft spot in my heart for these old been there, done that arsenal rebuilds that are "original from their service" but by no means actually original, pristine examples as far as the purists are concerned. Plenty of better, collector-grade examples are out there I'm sure, but...I'm looking for the ones like these that I hear whispering to me, "bring me on home, you know you want to."

What's the difference between an 1896 and 1898 bolt? I'm looking to buy my first Krag. In particular, I'm looking for an 1896 that's as close to original as possible.

[Lead Snowstorm]

The flat surface of the underside of the bolt handle extends farther on the 1898 bolt than the 1896, as I understand. Reference: http://www.5madfarmers.com/tankpaper/mook.pdf

Im posting from my phone, so bear with me if this photo is monstrous size. 1896 on the bottom, 1898 on top:

[bayoned]

For the money, I think you did fine for an M1896 Krag.
I like it !

[Whig]

Congrats on your slowly expanding Krag collection. I love these M1896 Krag rifles that aren't sporterized and have honest use and wear. Yours is in really great shape. I think the price was on your side of good.

The bore condition could be better but you may find it shoots quite well. Let us know what you find out when you get blasting with it.

The slings are rarely marked but that adds a great additional value to your Krag.

Keep 'em coming!

[leadhead]

It would probably do really well with a .310 or.312 cast bullet.
A lot of Krags were bored a lot bigger than .308
Mine shoot great with bullets sized .310
Denny