Krag rifle help....

[MannyR]

Hello from Florida new member been looking at a Krag rifle and need some help. Possibly purchasing but can't really find information, original , modified, sportized, fake. attaching pictures hopefully this will help. Thanks[IMG][IMG][/IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

Information

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[butlersrangers]

MannyR: The Krag you are considering is a Model 1898 Rifle that has been cut-down and 'sporterized'. I believe the 'banded' ramp front sight is a Redfield. The rear 'peep' sight is a 'no-drill' Redfield 102K. It is held on by a longer commercial side-plate screw and a plate that hooks into the opening for the (removed) magazine cut-off lever. The Stock has been shortened, sanded, and re-shaped.
Such a Krag "Sporter" is worth around $300 to $350, but, difficult to re-sell. Such rifles are pretty fun to shoot and useful for hunting. The Redfield 102K is worth about $100.
You would have to like this Krag "As Is". Restoration is financially too costly! I frankly enjoy playing with 'sporterized' Krags. It is what happened to many during the 1920s and 1930s, when they could be bought for a "buck-fifty".

Attachment 55487

[MannyR]

Thank you butlersrangers for your help asking price is $600. glad I posted. Rifle looks very nice but can wait for a original.

[butlersrangers]

MannyR: You should be able to buy a correct and decent Model 1898 Krag Rifle for $750 to $850. Stay patient and save up for it. The 'sporterized' Krag that you posted pictures of would only be worth $350, if broken down for Parts. It could be a fun utility rifle, but, nobody with knowledge will pay much for it.

[303tom]

There were only about 9 or 10 different Variants to the US Krag !............Which one is it, or was it ?...................

[Dick Hosmer]

It appears to be a Model 1898 Rifle.

Here is my "from memory" list of major Krag models:

(1) Original unaltered M1892 Rifle (scarce)
(2) M1892 Rifle altered to 1896 (uncommon)
(3) M1896 Carbine (uncommon)
(4) M1896 Rifle (common)
(5) M1896 Cadet Rifle (virtually unknown - extremely rare)
(6) M1898 Carbine (uncommon to scarce - in original form)
(7) M1898 Rifle (very common)
(8) M1899 Carbine (common)
(9) M1898 Rifle with 26" barrel (very rare)
(10) M1898 Rifle Gallery Practice (.22) (very scarce)

Variations in markings, stocks, and especially sights, would probably triple that. I have been collecting for 45 years, and have specimens of all items except (5).

I intentionally omitted the M1892 Carbine because only two (2) were made and they are both in museums.

The rest - with the exception of the Cadet - are out there. I have even acquired two (9)s "out of the brush".

[MannyR]

Adding some more pictures, thanks again .[IMG][IMG][/IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

[browningautorifle]

I think it'd make a sweet little hunting rifle.

[jon_norstog]

Manny,

That is almost identical in configuration to my elk-hunting rifle. My brothers and I hunt in the mountains of central Idaho, where 65 yards is a long shot. The Ktag is perfect. I like 220 gr RN in front of a strong dose of 4350 for elk, 150 RN for deer.

That sporter is easily worth $300 provided the barrel is good. I would suggest making an offer. Good luck!

jn

[MasterChief]

Got one (sort of) like OP's. Paid $125 in 1995 at local gun shop. I even put a moldy Boyt sling on it like the one pictured above! Great shooter except for one tiny flaw: excessive head space. I think sometimes I would like to make a collection of 'poverty sporters' and related pieces from the period.