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I run a small gun store in Jefferson, GA. The first time I fired a rifle was in Marine Corps boot camp and I wasn't raised around em. I do know how to research a little though lol. I know it was made in 1902 and that it appears to be missing a longer stock piece on the front and a barrel band? The blue book also shows values all over the place so any insight into that would be appreciated too. I uploaded photos on my account I hope yall can see. If not let me know. Thanks in advance!
Welcome aboard!
It has indeed been chopped down. This seriously hurts the value.
This rifle is worth, maybe, $300. If you ever came across a full length stock, it would cost you another $250 or $300.
Too bad, it was a nicely marked stock too...
Your Krag, #372380, was originally assembled around February, 1902.
The stock was shortened, (and slightly tapered, judging by the rounded 'finger grooves'), to make it handier for Hunting.
This Krag could be a candidate for restoration by splicing on a new forearm, under the barrel-band. (Parts would run about $150).
Value would be related to bore conditon. As it sits, $300 to $375 is realistic.
What's the barrel length?
In OP's photo, barrel appears to be full 30 inch length.
(There is an unusual 'view photos' prompt, in left-margin of his post).
Attachment 110819
Thanks guys! Hopefully I get a lot more to ask about!
It's sad so many got turned to sporters . Regardless I know for a fact they are a sweet shooting rifle . Mine is the best shooting rifle I got .
Wow, small world. I purchased this rifle from you in Jefferson. Update, I restored it. I somehow lucked up and found a 1902 marked stock and put it back to original. Picture below. It is an excellent rifle with a pristine bore. Thanks again for the rifle.
Nice save Ltpay.
Would agree and say in its current state bore condition is the main driver of the price. you could also get a good deal more selling individual parts. check out what good quality parts on https://www.granpasgunparts.com are going for.Quote:
Originally Posted by butlersrangers
Although, because full stocks new or old are hard to come by, not to many people restoring these. There are wood shops that will make a new full krag stock and handgaurd for $400 or so. I dunno how much you paid for it, but in todays market with a little sweat equity restoring it to original configuration could pay off....you already have most all the parts.
I'm in the middle of such a restoration myself in another thread, started with just a barreled action. but I won't be selling.
I wish the stock only cost me $250 to $300. It took forever to find one and then when I did it cost $450 for the stock. Luckily I was able to recoup some of the cost off ebay when someone bought the stock I took off the rifle.
---------- Post added at 10:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:15 PM ----------
It was Grandpas gun parts that I bought it from. He had it listed for $500 but had mercy on me and dropped the price $50 when I emailed him. All I had to buy was the front barrel band to complete iy after that.
I too found such a link with a Krag carbine I'd bought by searching it's serial number online. Found the previous owner. You've resurrected this rifle nicely.
Thank you. The Krag is my favorite rifle. I have this one, an M1896 Carbine, and a Norwegian M1894.
how was the bore? how does it shoot?
The bore is near perfect. It is the reason I bought the rifle in the first place and decided to restore it. I posted a picture but it still does not do it justice. I also posted a picture of a shot group at 100 yards. The rifle will definitely shoot better than I can. In total adding up the price I paid for the rifle, the cost of the replacement stock, the front barrel band, and the $200 that the stock that was on it originally sold for. I have $745 invested in the rifle. So I really cant complain.
Makes sense the bore would be nice, that's why this rifle was selected to be sporterized in the first place. Just lucky that they didn't cut the barrel and install a 1903 sight at the same time like usual. My rifle had a dark bore but was all that was available, here we don't see many.
Another reason I took the rifle is that it still had the upper hand guard as well so that saved me a ton.
you never know. I've seen plenty of sporter krags in shops that looked fine on the outside, but when someone back in the day bought it for $5 from a surplus crate, they didn't think it worth their time to clean and maintain and so now there is a sewer pipe to work with. sad.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
But good news is this one is a gem! congrats and well done saving it. Some of grandpasgunparts prices can be a bit steep, but he has guaranteed quality. My krag project has a NOS bolt and NOS extractor with beautiful delicate blue swirls still present. Paid him a penny or two for it but well worth it considering how the project has come along so far.
Absolutely, those are worth hundreds at times.Quote:
Originally Posted by LTPayton88
A complete U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle with good wood and an exceptional bore is a bargain for under $800.
You did some shrewd wrangling and showed good shopping discipline.
It is pretty easy to invest too much money in a restoration project!
Thank you. I really love getting these old girls back to fighting shape.
That's Nice!! Pretty Rare.
Thank you. They are getting harder to find.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexRod85