KRAG CARBINE - PLEASE HELP!!!

[Anton67]

I have been offered this Krag Carbine for $200.
I am trying to find out as much as I can about these rifles.
I would like to know whether it looks to be in original configuration based upon these photos.
I am supposed to get additional photos tomorrow but this is what I have so far.
The front part of the stock looks different from the others I have seen on the internet.
I believe it is an 1896 Model.
Any info would be appreciated.
Also is there anything in particular I should look for when I inspect the rifle in person?
Please help.

Information

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[Salt Flat]

Anton, This is a cutdown rifle. The big giveaway is the 1903 front sight and lower band with a sling swivel. If you look at the front of the stock there is probably a filler block where the stock was cut. So the rifle is not big dollar collectible BUT it is still a great looking rifle and worth at least the $200 and probably more. Really check out the bore condition carefully. I would buy it if the bore is good. Salt Flat

[rcathey]

At $200, I’d be all over it. The Krag is one of the only military rifles that I personally think still looks “right” when cut down like this. And this one looks quite good.
The only that might make me NOT buy it is if the barrel is all corroded and rusted out. So that’s what I’d check.

[browningautorifle]

I agree on both, I'd have it as long as the barrel is good and it still looks super to me. I'd have it as a shooter and fun gun. I'll bet the bore is good, usually only choice guns were used for sporters. Only the finest got cut down...

[Anton67]

Thank you for all of your input. I was hoping to buy it as a collectible.
I would buy it as a shooter but the ammo is obscenely expensive.
So I decided to let it go.
Thank you a

[rcathey]

Even cut down it’s worth more than $200 as a collector. There’s probably $300 there in parts.

[butlersrangers]

PM sent to Anton67.

[browningautorifle]

the ammo is obscenely expensive.

Most of load for them anyway so that doesn't occur to us...

[butlersrangers]

'Anton67' was kind enough to put me in touch with his friend and we worked out a mutually beneficial deal on the 'cut-down' model 1896 Krag. (Photo #1)

The nice wood from the 'cut-down' Krag was repurposed. The stock was 'stretched' and the hand-guard utilized, to provide wood for a full length model 1896 restoration.

The 'cut-down' metal was too good to just lie around. I repurposed a nice 'cut-down' Italian walnut model 1898 stock. (This stock had been shortened too much to be a candidate for 'stretching'). It was fun altering the bolt handle 'notch' to accept a model 1896 action.

I've got two new Krags to play with now! (I wanted to share how this story turned out).

Attachment 91018Attachment 91019Attachment 91020

[usabaker]

've got two new Krags to play with now! (I wanted to share how this story turned out).

Luckey! I need a Krag as well