Krag cut-down rifle?

[ConKeeper]

http://x-ringsupply.com/files/krag_s..._12-21-306.jpg

Hey guys this rifle is for sale at my local gun shop. I don't know anything other than what is visible in the picture. Based on your expert opinions, would this be worth the $395 price tag? Thanks!

Any info you guys could provide based on the picture would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure what I'm looking at and I want to have my info in order when I go to check it out in person.

[jon_norstog]

Con,

It looks like a cutdown to me, especially with the '03-type front sight. It has a carbine stock, which is worth some $ by itself, also an early sight. Most of the early Krag had their sights updated. It looks to be in pretty decent shape. I would say if the bore is OK, buy it. $395 is a little high for a cutdown, but not outrageously so. I would offer 3 bills and see what happens.

good luck!

jn

[Kirk]

As Jan says, it appears to be a 1899 carbine stock or a very well done imitation. I take it there is no sling swivel on the left side? The stock appears to be in good shape - no missing chips visible on this side. The barrel appears not to be original or at least the front sight. The front sight base does not appear to be a M1903 as the contour is different and I don't see a dovetail cut for the front sight; the blade is larger than one for a M1903 as well. It is probably a commercial base & blade. It would be interesting to know if it is a carbine barrel with the original front sight removed & a commercial band slipped on. What is the barrel length? A carbine should be exactly 22" measured with a cleaning rod inserted down the bore against the bolt face when it is closed . The sling swivels are commercial add ons.

What is the condition of the bore? If the bore is OK & the stock has no defects that are not visible, then $395 is not outrageous. As Jan says, offer less & see what happens.

Please let us know what happened!