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I am currently looking at what I think is a very nice Krag build in 1902 (based on the serial number). The gun appears to have tape residue that will need to be removed (any suggestions would be welcome) Overall the gun looks great, but the rear sight looks to not be correct for the date of manufacture. Any opinions on the rear sight? or any input on value would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Hard to tell from the picture but that looks like the 1901 sight. Does it have a little peep aperture in the slide when the ladder is raised? That could easily be the sight that weapon came with. A lot of older Krags ended up with that sight as replacements/upgrades etc. Guns that went to Cuba or the Philippines tended to come back less-than-jake and got sent to the/an arsenal for a refurb.
Tape residue? Will soap and water take it off? How about WD-40? Mineral spirits? MEK? You could do some damage to the piece with some of thaT stuff
jn
Thanks Jon. I unfortunately won't be able to handle the gun until tomorrow, I will check for the peep slide, thanks.
I was initially thinking it is a 1896 rear sight which would be curious for a 1902 guns.
Close and more pics would help too, love to see. Jon's right about the tape. Almost anything will take it off, a little lighter fluid...touch of acetone on a rag...
Call me cynical, but I'd check underneath the barrel band.
I have to wonder why there was ever tape in that location to begin with and my first thought is "DUFFEL CUT."
Barring that, pretty much any Krag in military dress is worth around $700. If it has a good bore, isn't duffel cut, and is priced less than that...buy it!
If it's more than that, it's time to start asking more questions and showing more pictures.
Anyway, have you ever played with a Krag before? That silky smooth bolt is addictive. I bet I've owned a dozen at one time or another. The Krag is currently occupying three spaces in the gun safe!
I wish I could have got better pictures, but even getting these took a while and a neighbor with a smart phone. I will be meeting up in person tomorrow. I am seeing numbers like 800 on GB, what is the general consensuses as far a value range if the barrel is in good shape with no stock or function issues?
This will be my 1st Krag so I figured I would run it pass people with more experience then just my .02 and research :madsmile:
---------- Post added at 08:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
Thanks for the advise, I will give it a good look for a stock duffel cut.
I have shot one about 5 years ago.... and have been looking for one for myself since!! :lol:
I zoomed in on the rear sight. I think the slider part is installed in reverse, the dial should be on the right.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
As for price, look in Gunbroker for prices around you. Canadian prices don't matter...and don't pay higher than you need to. Go in a bit low and let him bring you up a bit. Come to an arrangement...
Probably stripped the rear sight for cleaning and reassembled it wrong.
If that is a 1896 rear sight, that would be a replacement or arsenal change. How much of an impact on the gun value would that have?Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
We can't prove when it was done, just that the arsenal didn't assemble it backwards. A sight can be changed back but sights can be very expensive. If you can wait for Jon to return, he'll shed some more light. We don't know right now if this is a correct rifle or what...I'd buy it as a basic Krag, not a collector's prize. Lower price...Quote:
Originally Posted by EddieB
'EddieB' - The rear-sight on your Krag purchase is a model 1896 sight. You also have the model 1896 hand-guard. (You are correct the sight slide is on backwards. The 'locking-knob' should be on the right side of the leaf).
Krag hand-guards are sight specific: the 1896 sight takes the hand-guard that you have, the model 1898 and 1902 sights use a different sight opening, and the 1901 sight uses yet a different opening.
If you change rear-sight models, you have to change to the appropriate hand-guard.
What is the serial number of your Krag? What source did you look up the date in? Some on-line material is wrong.
Because there was a lot of 'musical chairs' with Krag rear-sights, during updates, the model 1896 sight can be correct on some model 1898 U.S. Krag rifles.
The tape adhesive should dissolve and remove easy with Linseed Oil or "Howard's Wax and Feed" on a rag with some hard rubbing. (You can try turpentine or mineral spirits first and finish up with Linseed or Howard's).
Some photos to assist taking your sight apart and identifying various Krag hand-guards:
Attachment 105146Attachment 105147
First of all, thanks for all the info and pictures.Quote:
Originally Posted by butlersrangers
I looked the serial number up here: U.S. Military Dates of Manufacture
I tried using raw linseed oil and and it seemed like it was making a difference, but very hard to tell. I finally toke some photos so that I can refer back to determine if my efforts are being rewarded. My though was if just the linseed oil doesn't work I would try a 50/50 of mineral spirits and raw linseed oil, I hesitate because I don't want to alter the tone\character of the stock. But if that is what it takes, I will give it a try.
I will post an update of what I found in braking the gun down.
Thanks again for you feedback.
---------- Post added at 10:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 AM ----------
When cleaning the gun I noticed that there were hairline cracks in the stock at the bottom of the magazine on both sides and at the tang. The action screws were loose and I bet that is what caused the issue in the previous use. I would really like to shoot this gun, are there any good replacement stocks out there? or trusted stock repair contacts?
Barrel also appears to be a replacement because it appears to be a green parkerized finish. Noticed the rear sight was loose and apon removal it appears one of the screws are broken in the barrel and the other just doesn't look right. I guess I will be making a trip to my gunsmith.
Your Krag has a six digit serial number. If you share the first three or four digits and complete the sequence with "X"s, other sources can be checked for likely production period.
A complete serial number allows checking SRS Data for documentation.
Krag rear-sight screws measure .156" diameter X 30 T.P.I.
Original and reproduction screws show up on eBay and can be got from S&S Firearms (Glendale, N.Y.). You will not find these at hardware stores or most gun-shops. (Different screw heads are specific to the various Krag sights).
The green 'parkerizing' is not a Springfield Armory practice.
Fine cracks in the stock, behind the tang and in front & behind the magazine, are not rare. They can be stabilized with epoxy-bedding.
Few Gunsmiths these days are knowledgeable about Krags.
(IMHO - The rear trigger-guard screw should be snug, but, not overly tightened; this can contribute to stock cracks).
Krag hand-guards are easily cracked. DO NOT SNAP ON AND OFF Barrel.
With rear-sight and stock removed, slide hand-guard toward muzzle, until reduced barrel diameter allows easy removal, (Install in reverse).
Store hand-guard with Quarter twisted in rear hand-guard 'spring-clip' and Penny or Nickel twisted in front 'spring-clip'. This counter-balances tension on wood.
BTW - On model 1896 sights, the front screw often has a thick head and the rear screw is flush.
Attachment 105155
GREAT information.Quote:
Originally Posted by butlersrangers
I know I will need the sight screw information and make sure that I always remove the hand guard properly.
I never though about the tension on the wood, I will make sure when it is removed that is how it is stored.
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.
I have wanted a Krag for years. Finally found one in a small gun show.
Model of 1898 and bubba got to it first. Barrel cut down to 25 inches, hand guard long gone and stock cut down. But,probably had the best looking barrel I have seen in years. Sporting style ramp front sight and the windage adjustable rear military sight. The Krag is a natural for cast bullets. 311284 which was made for the Krag. Since bore dimensions on various models can vary.Be sure to slug your barrel if you wish to shoot cast bullets in your new Krag. Lyman aalso has a 314299 that while was developed for British rifles, can be used in the Krag. And if you shoot cast bullets, be prepared to do some cleaning in the barrel. Copper residue and cast bullets do not play well together. Mine has the cartouche stamped in the stock dating it to 1903. Have fun. Frank