Help with 1st Krag Purchase

[EddieB]

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

Information

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[jon_norstog]

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

[EddieB]

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.

[rcathey]

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!

[browningautorifle]

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...

[EddieB]

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

---------- 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!!

[EddieB]

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...

I zoomed in on the rear sight. I think the slider part is installed in reverse, the dial should be on the right.

[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.

[EddieB]

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?

[browningautorifle]

an impact on the gun value

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...