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It is in very nice shape with a non cartouched stock and what I believe is the 1902 sight. ( nice little flip up aperture at the rear of the sight)
Finding its way to Canada still in it's original military configuration is not very common. Non-sporterized US Krag's are very thin on the ground here.
Cheers Paul
Closest listed number is 54035, a model 1896 rifle, that was issued in 1898 to Company M, 51st Iowa U.S. Vol. Infantry.
Your rifle, #54031, would have been originally assembled, around January-February, 1897. (Its not being listed pretty much guarantees, it did not get issued to the 51st Iowa Vol. Inf.).
FWIW - I have two model 1896 Krags, that appear to have been 'arsenal reconditioned' in the early 1900's. They booth have variations of the model 1902 sight and model 1898 bolts. The one that came (to me), still in a military stock, has no 'cartouche', but does have a 'circled script P' stamped on the stock, behind the trigger-guard.
In reality, the Krag was around in U.S. Military and National Guard service from 1894 to 1918. (Some were in Naval and Naval Reserve use even longer). A lot of refurbish and update is possible on some U.S. Krags.
Thank you so much for checking and offering the additional information.
The proof P is serif on this rifle.
The only other marking was an 8 stamped on the bottom of the stock ahead of the trigger guard.
I was really pleased to have the opportunity to obtain it recently.
After confirming headspace and functionality I plan on shooting it in service matches here with my '03's and Garands.
How about some pics of this one?
Nice, nice...you don't see the 1902 rear sights much here either. First one I've seen here in Canada... How'd you say the barrel is? Do you have dies and all yet? I had lots of brass but it's gone now...
Thanks Jim....The bore shows service wear but has pretty decent rifling with dark grooves....not minty but should be fine.
My buddy shoots 30/40 and I can start his recipe. We will likely use standard heads he has and he will also want me to use his hard cast recipe as well.
Either should be fun to try.
Cheers Paul
'6167' - You have a nice looking U.S. model 1896 Krag. I don't see anything wrong with it.
Your sight is the model 1902 with the so called 'sergeant peep' feature, (slang name for the swing up plate with 'peep' hole).
BTW - The 'binding knob' on your elevation-slide was originally made for the "Rod-Bayonet" 1903 Springfield, in .30-03.
The initial 1903 sight was very similar to the 1902 Krag sight. Its knob was designed to allow the base of the rimless .30-03 cartridge to serve as a 'screw-driver' or 'wrench'.
The Springfield sights were changed in 1905. The surplus 'rod-bayonet' rear-sight parts were used in repairing damaged 1902 Krag rear-sights, during 'rebuilds'.
I enjoy the simplicity of using the 1902 sight. However, the "Sgt. Peep" feature is pretty challenging for old eyes, unless the hole is enlarged!
Excellent info!
I love the "Sgt. Peep" analogy.
No way I could use that tiny aperture with my eyes but it is a very cool attribute.
There you go guys, this could be yours... CanadianGunNutz.com!