Springfield Model M1898.

Hello,
I'm in possession of my dad's WW II rifle.
It's stamped 'U.S. Model 1898 Springfield Armory 450777

Researching the internet, I'm assuming it is a Krag
With a 1898 rear site

I would like to add some accessories for this rifle. If anyone has somethings they want to part with or know where to purchase, Please PM me.

First, What would be the correct sling. (org. is dry rotted)
Second would be a bayonet. Should it be stamped 1898 ??

There is just way too much info out there to process.

Also, Is there a good repro manual w/exploded diagrams out there that would be useful for stripping and proper cleaning ?

The Story on this rifle goes something like this; My dad was state side for most of WW II due to a bad eye. He was however deployed in the spring or summer of 1945, for the invasion of Japan, with this rifle.



Pat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eZAK

Second would be a bayonet. Should it be stamped 1898 ??

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Any Krag bayonet would have been issued when this one left the stores. Whatever was in the bucket. Seriously...any will do.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eZAK

What would be the correct sling.

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You can use the original sling, either an original worth several hundred USD, or a repro worth less than $100USD. You could use the Kerr for the M1917 as it would have been used as time came. You can use the tropical sling, or a repro. You could use the M1907 sling...whatever was in stores when it was issued would be handed out. Not like they'd say "Hold it, you can't use a 1907 sling on that Krag, it was made in 1898!!!"...

Would the rifle be worth more with a 1898 marked bayo?

I think the sling it has now is a M1907 (2) piece

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eZAK

Would the rifle be worth more with a 1898 marked bayo?

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No. Many don't care about the bayonet at all. You just don't understand what I said previously do you?

'eZAK' - Your father's Krag rifle, #450777, is a U.S. model 1898 rifle, that was assembled around April or May of 1903.

It is quite possible it was given to him for some type of 'Guard Duty' in the U.S.A., during WW2. (He would have gotten a better arm, if he had been mobilized to invade Japan).

Krag bayonets are not hard to find. They were not 'matched' by date with U.S. rifles.

A Krag bayonet will not increase the value of your rifle by any more than the actual value of the bayonet.

A very nice Krag bayonet, with scabbard, should sell for around $125 to 150 USD. (A sharpened blade, pitting rust, poor grips, dented scabbard, or broken hanger greatly lowers the value). Caution - Never buy a Krag bayonet that has a leather 'picket pin holder' for a 'scabbard'. The U.S. Army never did such a thing!

It is likely that your Krag has the model 1902 or model 1901 rear-sight.

I would recommend you purchase "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine", by Joe Poyer (North Cape Publications). This 300 page, paper bound book sells for around $20. There is a ton of information and quality photographs that you will enjoy. Krag accessories are described in good detail.

Decent reproduction Krag slings can be purchased for around $25. The Krag slings should be around 65 inches total length and was intended as a 'carry strap'. (Trapdoor Springfield slings are too long, at 72 inches).

For competitive shooting, the U.S model 1907 leather sling (reproduction or original) is the best choice. It can serve as a 'shooting sling'.

A good source of original Krag parts is 'movieman630' (also called 'Grampa's gun parts) on ebay. S&S Firearms, Glendale, N.Y., has some original and reproduction items. Their catalog is viewable on-line.

Cornell Publications - Brighton, Mich. (cornellpubs.com) has a $17 reprint of the 1917 U.S. Ordnance Manual for the model 1898 Krag which is useful.

(Photos - Krag 1901 sight, Krag 1902 sight, and Krag schematic)

Attachment 81294Attachment 81295Attachment 81293Attachment 81296

Thanks for all the great information 'butlersrangers' !

With regards to the rear site, What is the difference between the 1902 and the 1898 ?

Also, Is there any special care or techniques I should apply while cleaning this gun ? I have a standard, multi cal., gun cleaning kit.


Thanks
Pat

Pat - The U.S. model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen rifle was made from July, 1898, to possibly into 1904. Some of the earlier manufactured model 1898 rifles potentially had four different rear-sights, during the course of their service life.

The four rear-sights used on model 1898 Krags, have 'model years', (which are unrelated to the rifle model). The sights are: 1896, 1898, 1901, and 1902.

1. The Model 1896 sight was put on during the initial production of model 1898 rifles.

2. The Model 1898 sight has three sighting notches and a low base. It was sighted for a higher velocity 2,200 F.P.S. Krag cartridge. It was put on model 1898 Krag rifles from August, 1899, to March, 1900.

When Krag bolts began showing cracks in their locking-lug, the 'hotter' load and its sight were discontinued.

(The Model 1896 sight was again put on some model 1898 Krags, with the return to the earlier 2,000 F.P.S. / .30-40 loading).

3. The Model 1901 sight came into production and use in August, 1901. General Buffington became Chief of Ordnance, in 1899. This sight was an update of the model 1884 sight he developed for the (.45-70) Trapdoor Springfield.

4. The model 1902 sight was ordered into production in November, 1902, by General Crozier, who succeeded Buffington as Chief of Ordnance, in November, 1901. The 1902 sight was kind of a refinement of the model 1898 sight, with a higher base, easier machining, improved elevation lock, and a single sighting notch. Many of the 1902 sights have the 'swing up peep plate'. (Some 1902 sights feature a 'recycled' leaf from the 1898 sight).

Eventually, developments with the 1903 Springfield rear-sight, would impact Krag rear-sights and the issuing of Krags.

It is possible that Krags with the 1901 rear-sight may have had priority for Regular Army service. Krags with the model 1902 sight may have gone to National Guard units.

In cleaning a Krag, it is best to remove the bolt and clean from the breech. I use an Outers (one piece - 36 inch) stainless steel rod, .30 cal. bronze brushes, .30 cal. jag with flannel patches, and Hoppe's #9 solvent. When the bore is clean, I leave a fine coat of CLP oil.

Regrettably, lots of Krags have rough bores and never come clean, due to early corrosive ammo.

Attachment 81303