1898 Krag Carbine - should I get

[AZshot]

Hi, there is a Krag carbine I could get for around $700. It looks very nice, I'm an experienced gun collector (mostly colts and pre-war rifles). But I know most of these are just cut down rifles. I have an 1898 rifle I bought 20 years ago, when I knew they were going up. Shot and hunted with it some, and love it. Always wanted a carbine, and this seemed a good price knowing how much military rifles have gone up.

Then I looked. I was surprised that of all the classics the Krags seem to have fallen in price since 10 years ago. Back in the 90s, any carbine would have been at least $800, and 10 years ago they seemed to be well over a grand. Now I'm seeing rifles back in the $400 range, and I'm assuming a cut down, not original "carbine" would not be worth what the guy is asking. Glad I didn't make a snap decision!

It's got nice wood, good cartouches, and a 1902 sight or possibly a 1989 sight. I didn't see a cleaning rod channel but the guy said he can see it has a plug in the front of the stock. Looks like a 1903 Springfield front sight. I have pics, but they're blurry. Price too high right?

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[rcathey]

From what you describe, that’s DEFINITELY a cut down.
Not worth any more than $300. Looks pretty clean though and would make a nice woods gun.
Definitely not worth $700.

[browningautorifle]

You didn't show us any of the important stuff in the pics, the front of the fore-end LOOKS like it's been cut down and you say it has a 1903 Springfield sight...so yes, it's been messed with. If you want it for a representative of a carbine and the bore is PERFECT then maybe I'd pay $300 or so...a bit more... But it's not a carbine.

[AZshot]

Thanks yall. Sorry about the central pics, I was thinking of just the rear sight. I will pass on it and stick to Colts for now.