Here I go again. I have a chance to buy this. Can anyone give me an opinion about how correct it is? I have not seen it in person. Serial number is there. I had seen one Krag rifle here in the last twenty years and now three in a week.
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Last edited by Sunshineboys on Sat Jun 17, 2023 3:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Krag in the few pictures shown is serial number 76437, it appears. This is in the range of a Model 1896 carbine Krag. The serial number is not listed in the Springfield Records as a Krag of any importance. The stock it is in appears to be a very worn Model 1896 carbine stock. The rear sight looks like a Model 1896 rifle sight, not the elusive and expensive ($1,000+) Model 1896 carbine rear sight. The front sight does not look like a correct Springfield Armory sight. There is no hand guard on this carbine. The receiver looks refinished.
Otherwise, the pictures do not show the full length of the barrel, the inside of the chamber or the condition of the bore. If this is a Krag carbine with important pieces missing and an incorrect barrel, it probably, then, is a sporterized Krag with a mixture of parts. The stock may be the most valuable part of this compilation. Again, if the bore is good and the carbine functions well overall, it may be worth around $400. Too much wrong to buy and try to fix up to what it should be.
It's always fun and interesting to evaluate a Krag firearm that we have not seen before, especially to try to help someone else out before a proposed purchase. I would keep looking and keep us informed. A military correct Krag can be an investment these days but it (they) is quite the treasure to own and use. Good luck!
Whig, thank-you for your insight. The stock may be original but it looks sanded possibly due to the butt plate looking proud. Much better than some but not correct. Seller asking $800.00 Canadian which is about $600.00 in US funds. I always find it interesting that the seller has not taken the time or effort to clean the bore. Suspicious. I am learning a little more each time I post here. Cheers.
PS- I always expect to see a sling attached to military rifles or at least see sling swivels.
Last edited by Sunshineboys on Sat Jun 17, 2023 6:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Very good. Another detail to look at to determine level of wear from sanding or use in a stock is how sharp are the grasping grooves. A new stock should have sharp edges to the grasping grooves. Well worn wood is reflected in the rounding of the edges of these grooves.
Bores in older Krags are often pitted from corrosive primers and poor cleaning habits from years ago. As we have learned over the years, a pitted bore can still produce accurate shooting if the rifling is still relatively strong. Cleaning the bore is, of course, essential to examining the rifling.
Carbines were made mainly to be used by cavalry. Slings were less important on horseback when carbine rings were used to attach them to the rider or horse or to store them in a leather scabbard on the side of the horse.
Is there a saddle ring on the stock? An original will cost $100 to $150 U.S. You are making the smart move by running a potencial purchase past the members here If you want an original military issue Krag or a good sporter. Always take a look in the buttstock to see if the cleaning rod and oiler are there. If they are there you just saved another $30 to $40 U.S. If you plan on shooting your Krag check the bore for condition. Also check the bolt lugs for obvious cracks (rare). Good luck on your hunt!
I suspect Dave (Sunshineboys) lives in Ontario, Canada, so his options and chances for buying a U.S. Krag and getting gun parts are more limited and controlled.
Ned is correct about the stock being a late replacement, that 're-configured' the model 1896 carbine, to be more like the model 1899 carbine.
The replacement stock used the model 1899 barrel-band and accommodated rifle length handguards.
Like the model 1899 carbine, the longer 1896 replacement stock eliminated the saddle-ring & bar.
The rear-sight, now on this model 1896 Krag, is an altered rifle sight. (calibrated to '18').
The front "V" notch has been eliminated from the sight Leaf.
A new "V" has been improvised and added onto the elevation-slide.
Although the receiver serial number is in a model 1896 carbine range, the barrel is possibly a replacement made from a 'cut-down' rifle barrel.
The front-sight base is shaped wrong and appears too high.
There is a visible seam of braze or solder material attaching the base to the barrel.
This is another short Krag, that is a utility rifle rather than an original collectable carbine.
