Someday I'd like to get an 1898 Krag standard issue long rifle. I was wondering how much would a decent one cost? How much would a lower end one cost? And how is their availability?
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Someday I'd like to get an 1898 Krag standard issue long rifle. I was wondering how much would a decent one cost? How much would a lower end one cost? And how is their availability?
It sort of depends on what you can find and who's around. If you keep your eyes on Gunbroker and such sites you can watch for a bit and see what they sell for. Also site's like Antiques, Simpson Ltd
Antique Handguns/Pistols Firearms For Sale | Down East Antiques
They'll give you a handle...
around here a sporter/deer rifle about 250.00 some times even finding one that was not drilled an taped for a scope or had barrel cut off. full military is low end 200 to high of 800.00
saw 2 at last gun show an fellow wanted 1700 for both as they both came from cmp in same box. Sprooter is a nice shooter but stocks are killer to find. Boyds used to make a real nice repo.
The challenge is to find an unaltered U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle with a nice bore. The early U.S. service ammo was pretty 'toxic'.
A Krag described as having a "dark bore with strong rifling" is a Lie, intended to deceive. Dark Krag bores rarely clean up and remain rough. They may shoot decent, but, are hard to maintain.
Krag rifles saw a lot of abuse through 20 years of service and were roughly handled during WW1 training. Stocks are often rough, cracked, badly 'refinished, dented, and bruised.
In the U.S.A., a correct model 1898 Krag with nice wood and a very good bore will command $750 to $900. Less promising Krags with poor bores seem to go for $500-$600.
IMHO - The Krag 'market' is very slow these days. A lot of older collectors may be selling off little used rifles.
It is good to be patient, save your money, educate yourself on Krags, and attend local gun shows and routinely view GunBroker. Krag rifles show up. It pays to be prepared.
The worse problem with Krags is Seller ignorance, deceit, and delusions about what their Krag is worth.
Thanks! I'll keep this in mind and go to my local gun show next week, thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by butlersrangers
From what I've seen, a "good" example in unmessed wood is between $800-$1,000.00 I have a friend who collects nothing but, and has quit buying because they're too high. He needs an 1899 carbine and a 1892 non-converted. Let me know if you find the latter.
Did you have a look at the links to see what a GOOD one will cost?Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowman1510
I know I can't afford a "good" one at the moment, that is why I original asked about decent and lower end krags.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
I'm sure you can find something suitable. I can't afford a nice one either. I had a carbine that was shot out, cracked handguard and marbles front sight blade...but it was all there at least.
Yeah haha, I would like to find one even if its beat up, I wouldn't mind!Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
I had one, a real carbine. Sold it to someone in the prairies about two years ago...
Two at a local shop. Both dogs but full length, they are both 1898 guns. One priced at $1000 the other at $895. Simpsons LTD had one in New Today that looked decent for the price. Like all this stuff getting tough to find nice ones at a good price.
saw about 6 of them this weekend at the York Pa show only one was all original at 1k. others were sporters from 350 to 700
'03-A3 barrels can be fitted by a gunsmith. CMP sells new barrels. So a bad barrel can be replaced, but nice rifles with nice bores are tough to find.'
I checked 'GunBroker' last night. There were lots of overpriced Krags with 'sketchy' descriptions. IMHO - Many of these Krags will be listed for years.
The problem with re-barreling a Krag, whether using a re-chambered 1903 Springfield barrel or a Criterion (carbine or rifle) Krag barrel, is that you easily invest more money than the 'restored' Krag is worth. Only go this route if it meets your needs and you plan on keeping it. It is no longer 'collectable' and you can't get your money out of it.
I believe, we are in a period when functional, but, well used Krag rifles are slow sellers. (Nice 'museum pieces' are in demand and always will command a premium).
Promising 'shooters' do show up at U.S. gun shows. Gun show 'finds' allow close inspection and negotiation.
Regrettably, some operators on ebay are 'parting out' utility Krags at an alarming rate.
My advice: Go to shows early & often, have money, have knowledge, have a clearly defined goal, and negotiate!
Agreed, that's the way to get one.Quote:
Originally Posted by butlersrangers
Butler an Browning are 100% correct. put time an effort in you will find what you want. Do not over look the small table dealers either. You would be shocked what these guys find or have hidden.
Full length Krag went for $1100 at auction today. I didn't look at it closely but it appeared from where I sat to be well used. No sling.
saw alot of sporters today even a krag carbine chopped up. way to high for my blood all were 350.00
In Louisville this past weekend I saw a few. One 1898 $550 for a in the white, no blue, obvious steel wool treatment. Good sight, cracked upper HG, nice 1899 cartouche.
I came close but passed on it. This one may end up getting parted out. :ugh:
Another, 1898 looked straight, $850.00, and another for $1,100.00
I have a krag I picked up a few weeks ago but don't know much ant them it looked like a decent rifle has long stock and bayonet lug I paid 400$ for it got it home its 24 inches on the barrel and looks to be the military stock cut down a few inches it looks good to my untrained eye but what is it is it an armory remake for rotc vfw or legion or what its a 1901 by the serial number any help would be appreciated
'Blag53' - Your Krag with a 24" barrel was likely shortened locally for a VFW Post.
Close clear photos would get better feedback.
Make sure your Krag is still in .30-40 and that the chamber was not altered for .30-06 blanks.
As I said elsewhere, pics are almost the only things we can help from.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blag53