New guy, new Krag

[Mike4MSU]

The barrel band is on upside down. Not a big deal, but the open “U” should be towards the muzzle

[Kwc27122]

I’ll correct that as soon as I get it in hand. Thanks! I’m thinking it will come this week.

[Kwc27122]

I saw that S&S firearms has a replacement front sight available. That is what I plan on purchasing. Does anyone here know the proper way to solder the sight base?

[butlersrangers]

The best approach would be to carefully fit the S&S replica base into the existing barrel 'flat' and have it silver-soldered in place.

[Ned Butts]

The S&S base will likely need some finishing and fitting FYI

[Culpeper]

A second option is to contact the Civilian Marksmenship Program at Anniston, Ala. and have their armors look at it.

https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/custom-gunsmithing/

[butlersrangers]

Kwc27122: My observations and opinions for what they are worth.

You have purchased an extensively modified 'parts Krag' that has little collector value, but lots of fun and shooting value.
With the addition of a replica front-sight, it will be a very pleasant looking "Faux Carbine".

As you have figured out, the stock is a U.S. model 1899 Krag carbine stock, with a re-shaped comb.

I think, you were correct about the handguard being for a model 1892 Krag rifle. (These handguards were once commonly available, less desired, and cheaper than others).
It is possible the sight-opening was lengthened, by whoever put this parts Krag together, so that a model 1901 sight could be installed for more precise shooting?

It appears someone machined a flat, on a cut-down Krag rifle barrel, and epoxy glued a replica front sight in place. It fell off and the glue residue remains.
Your plan to install an S&S replica is a good one. Perhaps you (or your LGS) have the ability to do a professional job at this?
(The CMP would be a very expensive route for a sight installation).

Your Model 1898 Krag, serial number 270164, was assembled at Springfield Armory, around June or July of 1900, as an infantry rifle with a 30-inch barrel.
The current muzzle-crown of your Krag, shows that the barrel has been cut-down.

The wood and metal of your Krag appear to have been refinished in recent times, but with a nice front sight, you will have a good looking 'shooter'.

[Kwc27122]

Thank you so much for the information! I totally agree that it is a Krag carbine Look-alike, and that is perfectly fine with me. I figured that an S&S replacement sight would be the best option. I just wanted a Krag carbine in good shooting shape for my own personal collection as I definitely wouldn’t ever try to pass it off as something it is not to others. I think I got it for a decent price as well.

[butlersrangers]

Springfield Armory fabricated the Krag front-sight base by fitting a steel block into a shallow dovetail that was milled into the barrel-blank.
This rough base was bronze-brazed in place, using a blow-pipe process.
The base took shape as the barrel and base were machined and contoured into an almost seamless union.

This 'look' can only be approximated with replica attempts.

[Kwc27122]

I understand. I’ll try and make it as close as I can.