1896 Krag Help

[Smithb1992]

Hey all. Second post here. Was wondering if I could tap your guys knowledge base and get some help with any information on this Krag I've owned a few years. Was kind of wondering if it's an actual Carbine or if it was a converted rifle. And also what you guys think the approximate value would be.

I picked it up about 3 years ago for about $400cdn from an older gentleman who said it had been his grandfathers hunting rifle back in the 20s and 30s. Any help or information would be much appreciated. I look forward to enjoying more of this site.

Information

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[Snowman1510]

I think it is a rifle that has been modified. But others will be along shortly that know more than I.

[browningautorifle]

Everything I can see in that serial number range is a rifle. The front sight has been altered and a marbles blade installed... Looks to have been installed on that barrel correctly but that can be done, I had one like that too. The crown doesn't look right either. Also, because it's here in Canada makes it suspect we don't have many. The rear sight isn't marked for carbine either, is it? How long is the barrel?

The guys that know lots are yet to come...

[mark1]

The stock is an 1896 carbine as is the hand guard. The rest is a rifle with a shortened barrel.

[browningautorifle]

So the value is actually in the stock and handguard. The rest is just a sporter Krag...a hunting gun... You won't get correct money for the woodwork here in Canada, I'd strip it and flip it stateside. The barreled action could be sold hereabouts for enough to make you happy on that. The stock could be worth far more if offered across border.

[rcathey]

And make the buyer happy to complete his carbine.
The stock and handguard look quite nice from what you show. An easy $400 for the set.
I quite like the rifle the way it is. Quite the shame you’re across the border!

[butlersrangers]

A cute & handy short Krag! It should be very useful for Hunting and Plinking at the Range.

The carbine Stock and Hand-Guard are the replacement types that came out after 1899, in order to make refurbished model 1896 carbines more like model 1899 carbines. (The stock is not as valuable as the earlier style of model 1896 carbine stock).

The metal parts are 'cut-down' rifle. (Your Krag was assembled, as an Infantry rifle, at Springfield Armory around December, 1896). The present Bolt is a model 1898 Bolt. The rear-sight is a model 1896 rifle sight. The shape of the front-sight base and muzzle crown are not correct.

IMHO - A 'parts gun', but, nice parts with a large Fun Factor!

[Smithb1992]

Thanks for all the help guys.