Krag 1898- Rifle or carbine?

[Dick Hosmer]

FM Yes, I will second Rudy's comments. From your description it is definitely a cutdown rifle. Also note the M1898 carbines fall in the serial range 123161-130965. (Still a cool thing to have!) Salt Flat

Absolutely agree about the gun in question being a cutdown, and wish to note that it illustrates the problem with identifying 1898 Carbines. However, the range quoted is seriously in error. Legitimate, correct, specimens are known as low as 112xxx, but the big spikes in officially recorded numbers occur in the 118-119-120xxx range. Here is a picture of 131024, which has several close neighbors.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[butlersrangers]

In the 1920s, Krag rifles were surplus, cheap, and plentiful. A 1928 "American Rifleman" article reported them selling for $1.50 and extolled their virtues as an inexpensive hunting arm, with remodeling.
Gunsmiths, Gun-sight companies, and Sporting Goods Dealers probably found 'sporterizing' Krags their 'Bread & Butter'!
Although collectability and value are lessened, many of these modified Krags are quite useful, shootable, and some are still handsome! They have great 'play value' and can be used without guilt of damaging a valuable 'Collector Item'.

Attachment 55579Attachment 55580

[butlersrangers]

FM: Here are some pictures to show how your Model 1898 Krag looked before it was altered for 'Hunting'. (My 'shooter' at Range, improvised shooting sling, Kemper Military School, circa 1913, in Missouri).

Attachment 55581Attachment 55582Attachment 55583