Decision Crisis

[artyldr01]

I need advice. I'm a new / limited collector of Krags, which is to say no have one, and another one In the hopper to buy.

I have a Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen. (July, 1898,1st month of 1898 Production I believe). SN: 1124##. 1899 JSA cartouche, Italian Walnut stock. 1901 Rear Sight. The upper hand guard has been arsenal shortened to mitigate a crack. The rear screws on the rear sight is broken, otherwise a gorgeous example. My first (only) Krag and I love her.

I have someone very interested in buying it.

I have another Krag a great member is holding for me. Model 1898, SN: 3784## which is 1902 manufacture. American walnut, 1902 JSA cartouche. 1901 sight. It is more "correct" than mine. It is also CMP documented.

I intended to save my pennies to get the second one and have two, but I'm at a point where I am streamlining my collection, especially calibers that I really just don't or won't shoot very often. That said I don't really need two Krags (well, maybe a carbine someday).

Not talking value wise necessarily, but of the two Krags I mentioned, what does each "say" to you? If you were to pick one, which would you and why? Older vs "more correct?" Italian vs American Walnut? CMP a boost? Any "history" you can speak to (I am totally the "buy the story guy")What do you like about them and why?

Thank you!

Signed, "conflicted Krag owner."

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I'd take the second one and hang on for a minute. I found that if you just go ahead and buy then the money will come along and support it. I like both, and yes...you'll need a carbine. School gun also...

[butlersrangers]

'Artyldr01' - You have not mentioned anything about bore condition. Are you a 'shooter'?

I am a 'stickler' for very good bores and I shoot my Krag rifles and carbines.

A rough Krag bore may shoot well, but, a very good to excellent bore bore will shoot well and is a lot easier to clean.

Your Italian stocked Krag is attractive, however, it has some serious blemishes. I love the color and grain of the Italian walnut stocks. Your damaged hand-guard and replacement sight screw would keep me awake at night. A matching original hand-guard is a difficult thing to find and will cost $150.
That sight screw needs to be replaced.

It appears there may be punch marks & damage to your front-sight base and the pin, that secures the front sight blade.

It also appears there may be a 'chip' of metal missing from the rear of the Bolt Body, just in front of the bolt-sleeve.

I am not 'trashing' your current Krag. I am just noting cosmetic flaws that are repairable. If it was mine, I'd focus on replacing the blemished parts.

Personally, I put no added value on a model 1898 Krag being early production. (Your early model 1898 has been upgraded over the years).
I also put no value on a Krag being a recent CMP purchase.
(Other people might find these aspects add value).

The Krag you are contemplating is quite attractive with no major blemishes visible. If its bore is equal or better than your current Krag. I'd go for the later model 1898.

Bottom line, you are the one that needs to be happy with your Krag choice.

[browningautorifle]

You have not mentioned anything about bore condition. Are you a 'shooter'?

I am a 'stickler' for very good bores and I shoot my Krag rifles and carbines.

I thought about that too but it seems that's my first question and perhaps a tiring one for some collectors that just want an original barrel. I have to have a good bore too...thus the carbine I had was sold...