Krag Collectors Association Forum

I thought I would just post pictures of another one of my favorite Krag rifles. This rifle, serial number 476456, is listed on pg 249 of Frank B. Mallory's book "Krag Rifles" as being observed (reported by Tom Pearce). This rifle is also pictured in the book "U.S. Martial .22 RF Rifles" by Thomas D. Batha on pg 11.

I purchased this rifle in March of 2007 at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show from Scott Duff during the Friday setup. My original intent at this show was to look for a nice early 1903 Springfield, but then I spotted this rifle on his table. Scott told me the story of the rifle and then a voice from behind me said "it'll be very hard to find a better one". I turned around and it was Tom Pearce. That's when he told me that the gun was reported in Mallory's book. I told Scott that I might be interested in it, but he hadn't established a price on the rifle yet. It was later that day when he told me the price, and I thought what the hell - I bought it.

This is one of the 341 completed rifles made by Springfield. Unique to this rifle is the cartouche. It is a very heavily scripted JFC (J.F. Coyle). Rifle retains much of its original finish, stock is in the same condition - very nice. The only U.S. Martial Springfield .22 I am missing is the Model 1870 rolling block .22 Navy rifle. I tried going after the one in Bill Rutter's collection but I was outbid, because I really wanted the BoO&F rifle coming up later, and I was holding back on my funds.

Very nice photos of a Beautiful GP rifle. Thanks for sharing.

(Neat, how how you were able to sneek a peek of your feet, very discrete .... sweet)!

That's a great story with a wonderful rare Krag. Glad to hear it's in good hands!

Thank you for posting!!

I'd like very much to know some of the internal details. What is the groove diameter of the barrel and what is the twist, please?

Apparently the first 50 (or so) had an 18" twist and a .226" groove diameter. They were chambered for .22 Extra Long. While they would shoot Long Rifle or Short cartridges, they were inaccurate. I had one of those, quite disappointing. I've read that the later ones were made to standard dimensions, but have not learned of any measurements that would verify it.