SRS Lookup

[Snowman1510]

'Snowman' - BAR pretty much covered it.

U.S. Model 1896 Krag, #51840, was built as a rifle around December, 1896, or January, 1897. Long ago, a Civilian turned it in to a Hunting Rifle.

Your barrel is a 1903 Springfield barrel that was shortened at the breech, re-chambered to .30-40, re-threaded and fitted to your model 1896 action. This was an old gun-smith practice to cheaply replace a poor barrel. The Springfield barrel has a smaller diameter, different taper, and lacks Krag rear-sight holes.

IMHO - There is nothing practical to restore here. Your best course is to try shooting it, as is, and see how it performs. If you are satisfied, then there is no harm in stripping the paint, refinishing the metal and wood, and fitting a new butt-plate. Do it yourself because it will not increase this Krag's value. ($175-200 AND POOR 'RESALE' PROSPECTS').

An old Pacific or Redfield 'No-Drill' Peep-Sight could be put on it and improve shooting.

Thanks for the response! I'm not interested in resale as I plan on keeping it a long time. I just like to find project builds and work on them when I have the time. Thanks for the info!

[browningautorifle]

I agree, try shooting like it is and let us know. I'll bet it shoots perfectly. You might want to replace the recoil pad as that one's gunned...and ugly as f**k...you could also have it bead blasted and blued and it would look new. Don't try to restore it as there's nothing left. I'd liquid strip the varnish and oil finish the wood for better traction when you're shooting hogs with it. Those big 180 gr round nose will dump pigs properly...

[Snowman1510]

Taking it to the range today, if I have time. I would like to put her through her paces, should be fun! In the meantime I'll just look at part prices and collect parts for awhile until I have enough to rebuild it, I'll just put a little money aside here and there, I'm not expecting to get this rifle done in awhile. Maybe of course lol.