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Hello everyone, Just picked up this 1898 Krag. Can anyone help me figure out its life story? The barrel measures exactly 22 inches and the serial is 306995. The stock coloration is different than what I have seen on other 1898's. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
First the bad news - You have a U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle that has been cut-down (stock and barrel) to carbine length. A 'banded' 1903 Springfield (1905 sight) front-sight has been mounted on the barrel to make a useful 'Hunting Rifle'. This work was not done by an arsenal.
The neutral news - Krag rifle, #306995, was built around January or February, 1901.
The stock wood is Italian walnut. Due to a shortage of cured black walnut, about 30,000 Italian walnut Blanks were purchased in 1899 from a New York City lumber dealer. Most of these stocks will have 1899, 1900, and 1901 'Cartouche' dates.
The three small holes in the butt-trap hold the three sections of a Krag 'cleaning rod' and the Oiler fits below the rod-sections.
The good news - Your rear sight is a model 1902 Krag carbine sight. Only around 1,000 of these were made. Your rear-sight is a hard to find one and is worth around $200.
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Welcome to the forum, yes, nice carbine sight. At least you did well there.
M1903 front sight for sure. The blade has been cut-down to near nothing. You might have to find a new stud/blade assy and replace your stud/blade assy. Springfield Sporters has the cheap part. Fun find, good luck with it.
Thank you the information! Now I just need to find some 30-40 to feed it. The local gun shop had a couple of other Krags, one clearly sporterized with sling and scope mounted ($350), and an original 1898 rife in pretty bad shape ($875). Prices had been reduced on all 3 a couple of times. I think i will pass on those guys, but I might hang around the forums and learn a little so i can get a steal on my next Krag purchase.
Dies for reloading can be had and brass is around, you should be able to find something. Loaded ammo, well, hard to say.