"Up-Grading" Faux Carbine

[butlersrangers]

The recent acquisition of a Wheeler barrel-vise allowed me to do a barrel switch, I had contemplated for some time.

One of my favorite Krag 'shooters' is a model 1899 carbine action that had a cut-down rifle-barrel put on it long ago.

Another fun shooter was the 'remains' of a model 1898 carbine. The carbine barrel was dovetailed for an open sporting sight.
The carbine's 1898 action was drilled and tapped for a side-mount.
The 1898 carbine was beyond restoration.

Having accumulated an 1899 carbine stock and 1902 carbine rear-sight, it was my goal to assemble a "Parts" 1899 Carbine, utilizing the 1898 carbine's barrel.

[butlersrangers]

The job progressed, with the real carbine barrel installed on the 1899 action.
A temporary 'patch' was made for the barrel's civilian dovetail, so that an original carbine sight could be securely attached, with original screws.
A more refined 'patch' will ultimately replace the current one. Getting the sight hole spacing correct, is critical!

As assembly progressed, I discovered the original carbine stock interfered with trigger function, when stock screws were snugged-up.
Blackened areas of compressed wood were a 'roadmap' to where some carving was needed. (Yes, that's Italian walnut, under the stain).

[butlersrangers]

Another thing needing 'tuning' was the action of the 1899 carbine's Magazine-Gate. It was unusually difficult to open the Gate and it snapped-shut rather violently.

The culprit seemed to be the (magazine-gate/carrier-follower) spring. The end of the spring, that engages the cam on the carrier, appeared worn and the spring seemed more bowed,
which had an effect on fit and function.
I replaced the spring and this smoothed function considerably! (With Krags, you learn something new all the time)!

Well, I enjoyed this project and am happy with the overall appearance. It is a "parts gun" with all carbine parts, except for the .413" rifle front-sight blade.
BTW - The 'knobless' cocking-piece is not 'correct' in this serial number range. I just like the way it looks.

(Hey, the 'sportered' 1898 carbine maybe even looks better. It has a Krag rear-sight for 'back-up', now).

I hope both Krags shoot just as good with the barrels swapped, as they did before!

[Kerz]

Nice upgrading!

[todd444]

very nice!!!!!!!!!

[Local Boy]

Well done BR!!!

[Dick Hosmer]

Very nice! Really neat trick on the rear sight - but I guess one has to be lucky as to where an a-hole PO cut same. If coverable like yours, very fixable. Needless to say I'm sure one must fit the dovetail block snugly before drilling that all-important hole. Once again - sure looks great!

[Baltimoreed]

Nicely done. Your build is right down my alley. My bud just gave me his cutdown to do a faux school rifle rebuild on. He has a legit carbine but was wondering what I could do on his cut up rifle. Just getting started on it. It had a goofy home made sling swivel on the buttstock that I’m removing, will put a block in and then cut a correct sling swivel mortise. Also started on the forend stock extension and have it shaped to fit the bbl band. The band will hide the seam. It’s got a recvr sight on it which he wants to keep so I’ve got an enfield handguard ordered, hopefully it fits, will be a solid handguard. Going to rivet some mauser handguard clips to it. I also want to recut the sanded out grasping grooves. He really likes my school rifle but not enough to buy his own and mine’s not for sale.

[King carp]

Nicely done! Ready for some woods stalking!

[Baltimoreed]

The 12.00 enfield handguard was too small. Back to the drawing board. I need a solid handguard for it. Anybody got any ideas on a handguard from another rifle that might work? I found a solid krag handguard but he’s not going to spend 100.00 for one. Got an old garand handguard that I’ll play with this week.