Hi all!
Here is the info
Model 1896
S/N: 51840
Thanks!
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Hi all!
Here is the info
Model 1896
S/N: 51840
Thanks!
Closest to a hit I've seen personally...the rifle before it. 51839... A rifle issued to CO 'E' 5TH INF VOL. I expect Butler'srangers will be along and may have more for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowman1510
Thanks Browning!
Sure...like I say though, there's a couple others will be along and may have more info...that's the closest I've come in all the time looking...
The hunt for history is always fun for me :) I will put up some pics when it is done uploading, it was a pawn shop find that has been sporterized, I am not sure if it is a carbine or not, It doesn't have the sling loop ring on the stock, which makes me unsure.
Here are the photos:
It's a '96 rifle. I'll be looking forward to the pics.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowman1510
Posted them for you guys to see
Lots done to this one. Is that a 1903 barrel on it? Looks like. It's been painted and the rear sight has been dovetailed in. The front sight has been welded on which can cause the barrel to banana up in the front, I've had to sort one out from that. The stock has had a pistol grip dovetailed in behind the trigger guard. The recoil pad is one of those "Joxtam"?? soft rubber types, they sort of melted after time. And sitting on them of course...
Let us know how it shoots...should be fine. I'll bet the barrel is about perfect.
I've been thinking about restoring it to a certain degree. Like removing the paint (It comes off super easy with a very fine steel wool), Getting a correct stock (If it would fit with a suspected 1903 barrel SA 8-20), and original sights if possible. And that would be it. A project for another day though
'Snowman' - BAR pretty much covered it.
U.S. Model 1896 Krag, #51840, was built as a rifle around December, 1896, or January, 1897. Long ago, a Civilian turned it in to a Hunting Rifle.
Your barrel is a 1903 Springfield barrel that was shortened at the breech, re-chambered to .30-40, re-threaded and fitted to your model 1896 action. This was an old gun-smith practice to cheaply replace a poor barrel. The Springfield barrel has a smaller diameter, different taper, and lacks Krag rear-sight holes.
IMHO - There is nothing practical to restore here. Your best course is to try shooting it, as is, and see how it performs. If you are satisfied, then there is no harm in stripping the paint, refinishing the metal and wood, and fitting a new butt-plate. Do it yourself because it will not increase this Krag's value. ($175-200 AND POOR 'RESALE' PROSPECTS').
An old Pacific or Redfield 'No-Drill' Peep-Sight could be put on it and improve shooting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by butlersrangers
Thanks for the response! I'm not interested in resale as I plan on keeping it a long time. I just like to find project builds and work on them when I have the time. Thanks for the info!
I agree, try shooting like it is and let us know. I'll bet it shoots perfectly. You might want to replace the recoil pad as that one's gunned...and ugly as f**k...you could also have it bead blasted and blued and it would look new. Don't try to restore it as there's nothing left. I'd liquid strip the varnish and oil finish the wood for better traction when you're shooting hogs with it. Those big 180 gr round nose will dump pigs properly...
Taking it to the range today, if I have time. I would like to put her through her paces, should be fun! In the meantime I'll just look at part prices and collect parts for awhile until I have enough to rebuild it, I'll just put a little money aside here and there, I'm not expecting to get this rifle done in awhile. Maybe of course lol.