M1898 with sub-target gun machine stock?

[darkloch]

I've been tasked to restore this rifle for an estate and am curious about the cutout in the stock and whether I should restore or leave them alone. If, indeed, the cuts were made to mate the rifle to a Cummings sub-target machine I suspect I'll leave it the way it isinteresting story.

What do you experts think? Thanks!

[Ned Butts]

I would leave it as is, that is part of it's history.

[Dick Hosmer]

I agree, but, looking at the rear sight, makes me want to ask a question: how long is the barrel. and what is the serial number (the first 5 digits would be enough). Many thanks.

[reincarnated]

Is the rust part of history?

[Dick Hosmer]

I don't think so - plenty to do there before worrying about the stock - which i would definitely leave alone.

[darkloch]

Reasonably sure now that this Krag was modified for the Cummings sub-target gun machine. Note attachment points on barrel. Unfortunately the hole are tapped and threaded so deep that I suspect it would be dangerous to fire today. Two of the holes are directly beneath the chamber.

With respect to the rust, Give me a chance, I'm old and slow but I can be trained! BTW the stock has cleaned up beautifullypractically mint!

[Dick Hosmer]

And, what IS the s/n, please? Thank you.

[darkloch]

Sorry guys, time got away from me.
SN is 399280
Cleaned up rather well, pity it's not shootableor at least I wouldn't.

[butlersrangers]

'darkloch':

Thanks for posting pictures of the Model 1898 Krag barrel, showing how the armature of the Sub-Target Gun Machine was attached. This was a more aggressive alteration, than I originally envisioned, and appears to compromise the strength of the barrel. It is too bad that your rifle no longer has the barrel armature and 'striker linkage' that joined it to the Sub-Target Gun Machine.

[psteinmayer]

You could always re-barrel it for shooting, but I personally would leave it as is. Much to valuable! Great piece of history there...