1898 Krag carbine authentication

U.S. Military Krags
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butlersrangers
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by butlersrangers »

The front-sight base and muzzle crown are legitimate carbine. The front blade appears homemade.

The "C" marking on the rear-sight base looks good in the new photo. (Measuring maximum ramp height would eliminate any doubt).

I believe this is a real model 1898 carbine. It simply needs a handguard and slingbar & ring to complete the package.

MAS1915
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by MAS1915 »

Thanks Butlersrangers, for your input and evaluation.

Now for one last (two-part) question: I saw front sight covers for Krag rifles for sale online. Are these designed to be front sight hoods, and you can still use the sights with them affixed? And if so, are they period correct to use on carbines?

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butlersrangers
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by butlersrangers »

Basically, there are two types of Krag front-sight cover/protectors.

1. There is the model 1901 blued steel carbine front-sight hood. This protected the carbine front-sight blade and leather saddle-scabbard from damaging each other.
It snaps onto the barrel and tends to scratch and wear the barrel bluing.
It is possible to sight and shoot the carbine with the hood in place. I don't do this because it limits light and field of view.

Recently, I have seen (the similar) model 1903 Springfield front-sight protectors being listed as for the Krag. This is WRONG!
These steel 'snap-on' protectors are a different shape and smaller hood than the Krag carbine covers.
The 1903 Springfield protectors were not intended to remain on the 1903 rifle during firing.

2. There is a Brass model 1900 muzzle cover/sight protector, intended for the Krag infantry rifle.
These need to be removed for firing and were not intended for use on cavalry carbines.
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scottz63
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by scottz63 »

For comparison, the 1903A3 sight hood on mine.
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14EH AIT Instructor-PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer

MAS1915
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Joined: Fri Oct 04, 2024 1:26 am

Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by MAS1915 »

Thanks, guys

If it doesn't add to the sight picture, them I will just leave it off. I don't see any historical photos of '96 and '98 Krag carbines with front sight hoods, and since it came out in 1901 it would not be correct for the time period the 1898 carbine was used.

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butlersrangers
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by butlersrangers »

Makes sense to save $200 and spend it on a sling-bar & ring or handguard to complete your carbine.

MAS1915
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by MAS1915 »

True. I think I will wait for the original parts to show up at a reasonable price. There's a guy making reproduction saddle rings for carbines at $75, but I would prefer an original. Right now I'm just happy to have a genuine, unmodified example.

Whig
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by Whig »

Be careful with reproduction saddle rings and bases. There are repros out there that are shorter than the originals! For your carbine, correct authentic replacements would be a better choice.

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butlersrangers
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by butlersrangers »

Grandpa's Gun Parts has an original one for $200.

Good parts have gotten expensive!

S&S Firearms sells a reproduction carbine sling-bar & ring reproduction, for $75.
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Last edited by butlersrangers on Sat Oct 05, 2024 7:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

MAS1915
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Re: 1898 Krag carbine authentication

Post by MAS1915 »

I saw the one at Grandpas Gun parts. Thought $55 was cheap, especially compared to the ones on ebay for $200. That was until I sorted by condition, and realized the $55 poor condition ones were sold out! The cheapest one I can find now is $185 at Lodgewood Mfg, they claim it is original.

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