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Picked up this obviously non-original 1898 Krag SRC; although the stock appears original except there is no discernable cartouche. The barrel is the least original having no holes for the rear sight and a very incorrect front sight. A Pacific peep sight has been added. Does anyone know where the barrel may have come from?
There are a number of folks who make replacement barrels. One is Criterion
.30-40 Krag Barrel
The stock is interesting as it appears to be an 1898 carbine stock, with the saddle swivel on it. From your photo, it doesn't appear to have had the cartouche sanded off. I would bet it's a replacement stock and barrel for your action although why someone would go to the expense of replaceing both is a mystery.
enjoy shooting it.
Cheers
Thanks for the response. I plan on shooting it after I get some .40-30 ammo.
30-40 ammo works better! The ammo is seasonally produced by Remington and Winchester so it may be tough to find at your local ammo store. I buy mine on-line and pay about $1.75 a round with shipping. If you find a better deal, let us know!Quote:
Originally Posted by yobtaf
Ha! Good point! I bought a box of 20 rds online just to test it out first. Thanks again.
Yobtaf, The stock looks great and the Pacific peep sight is a no drill item so no damage there. Is the serial range correct for a carbine? Flaydermans and others list the serial ranges. Redfield made a little more robust peep sight that mounted just like the Pacific. Actually looks damn nice though as is! Salt Flat
Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, the serial number is not correct for a carbine: 481378.
I'd just do as you're suggesting, and shoot it. I'd also procure ammo or brass and re-load myself. it works out fine that way. They're easy on brass and you're going to love shooting it.
Thanks. But I may wind up selling it because I have my eye on a couple of original 1896 Krag SRCs coming up for auction today.
Springfield did not annotate on their records which guns were carbines and which were rifles as the serial numbered part, the receiver, was common to both. There are ranges of serial numbers associated with carbines but were actually rifles so the serial number is not a definite identification for a carbine. The true measure of a barrel is, with the bolt closed, using a cleaning rod, a carbine should measure exactly 22" from bolt face to muzzle. Rifles that were cut down to carbines were often not cut excatly to 22".
There are lots of "FrankenKrags" out there (I have one). Don't be discouraged, they are still fun to shoot and a part of history.
Thanks for the response. And I'm not discouraged probably because I just bought an 1896 Krag SRC from a very reputable auction house so there's a good chance it may be all original (see photo).
Yob,
That's an interesting fake carbine you have there. I'm thinking someone had a nice carbine stock and put together a "carbine" to go with it. The barrel might be a cut-down '03, that was a common Krag mod. You might consider selling the stock, getting a replacement and pocketing the diff. The saddle ring is a real PITA for hunting or in the field. The Pacific sight works great and takes standard aperatures. Just remember to loctite the thumbscrew before you go out in the field. Don't ask how I know this.
Have fun and good luck!
jn
Thank you kindly for the reply and helping me determine the source of the barrel. If I interpret you correctly you believe the stock is genuine? If so, shouldn't there be a cartouche behind the saddle ring bar? Are reproduction carbine stocks available? Forgot to mention that someone added sling swivels to the stock, one of which is poorly done and slightly off center and has resulted in a crack in the lower forearm.
The arsenal commonly left the cartouche off of a replacement stock. All you will see on them is the "P" mark. There are repro stocks available, some better than others, or you could scrounge up a cut-down rifle stock from someone who has restored a rifle. Lot of bubba-ed rifle stocks around. If it is what I think it is - an arsenal original 1898 carbine stock - it is worth a fair amount of $$. Dick Hosmer, can you take a look at this one?Quote:
Originally Posted by yobtaf
jn
Thanks for the information. Where can I find the "P" mark?
Look for the P (for proof) mark forward of the trigger guard on the bottom of the stock.
Thanks. Did not see one, but there was a "99" (or "66") on the bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard.
I believe it may be a fairly rare stock, actually a short stock like the 96 carbine stock, but cut for the model 98 action. When you get your 96, you'll be able to see the difference near the bolt handle. As to the barrel, it was at one time, when 03 barrels were more plentiful, to cut them back, rethread and rechamber them for the Krag. That might be the source, or about any other barrel. Also, the original sight holes might be only filled in, but well done and hard to see.
Thanks for the response!