Looking to learn more about my 1898

[Bash]

I recently acquired a Springfield 1898 and I can't seem to find another rifle that looks like it online, so I assume it has been altered at some point in the last century. Can anyone tell me anything about it's life or at least what it was used for if it isn't original? I traded a cheap .22 rifle for it so if it's worth at least $150 I'll be happy, even happier once I get it to the range and see how it shoots.

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

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.

[browningautorifle]

Welcome to the forum, yes it's a Krag rifle that has been converted to .22. The bolt is an early type cocking piece, the stock completely changed. The rear sling hooks are civilian. I'd love to know when or by whom. .22 Krag rifles existed but not very common... Looks like this one was rebarrelled but I can't see for sure. This one's been completely changed over to sporting. There'll be more along soon.

[m1903rifle]

Did he say it was in 22 caliber? The receiver is too early to be a GP ( Gallery Practice )

[Bash]

It is .30-40 caliber, though .22 would be kind of cool.

[browningautorifle]

I traded a cheap .22 rifle

Guess I just read that completely wrong.

[Dick Hosmer]

Such military arms, when heavily modified - as that one is - are not highly valued and are slooooow movers when offered for sale. Aesthetics also play a very large part, and (bite my tongue) that one lacks the grace of some other examples. That said, the smooth action, and adequate power makes for a wonderful hunting rifle. Your $150 is certainly safe, but not by a huge margin. Ammunition is a chancy thing, sometimes you can find it, sometimes you cannot - most .30-40 shooters load their own. Cases will last a long time if used in just one rifle and neck-sized only.

[browningautorifle]

As Dick says, I've loaded most of the 30-40 I've shot, it's not readily available around me at all. Even dies had to be reached for a long distance. Now with brass and dies in hand I'm reluctant to part with them in case another comes along.

[butlersrangers]

'Bash' - That should be a real enjoyable Krag for 'Hunting and plinking'. Such altered Krags deserve recognition for their role in keeping families fed, during the Depression Years, and selling a lot of American Hunters on the bolt action rifle.

FWIW - Your model 1898, #166968, was likely assembled around January, 1899. Your rifle's bolt has the 'headless cocking piece', which was an economy move approved in April, 1899, and discontinued in October, 1900. It actually proved to be more expensive than the more common 'Knobbed cocking piece'. The 'headless cocking piece' was used on rifles, and not just carbines, as once believed.

Your commercial receiver sight is the Redfield 102-K. This sight is very practical and required no extra holes or Gunsmith expertise to install. A loose 102-K sight sells for about $100 with its extra long side-plate mounting screw.

[andiarisaka]

I like the drop of the comb on theOP's stock, it should get your eye right in line with that Redfield peep.

[butlersrangers]

On some of the forums today, enthusiasts are noting Remington .30-40 ammo is available through some of the big online distributors, at about $35 a box of 20.