Thanks for the info and the warning, I'll keep that in mind as have read that several times about doing any drilling on US Krags. 'Did not know the parts/scope mounts could be that expensive! I'll talk to a friend who has all the equipment but want to be extra careful as don't want to marr the rifle or reduce the metal strength either. Even though it is a sporter, it is a beautiful hunting rifle with Bishops custom walnut stock and Marbles buckhorn sights. The mag cut off had been removed and the side plate secured with a screw drilled through the side plate connecting it to the receiver right where the mag cutoff would enter.
My other US Kragis a carbine to which I am just now adding a repro handguard but am not trying to do any other "changes" to it. Thanks