1898 Carbine?

[mauserdad]

After studying Brophy's book Pages 65-67 and pictures my rifle seems to be the same. If not can someone tell what is not right on mine. Thanks

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[mauserdad]

More PIC's. Thanks

[mauserdad]

The stock is 32" and the barrel is 22". I understand the serial number has it made in 1899. Could this be a repair or refurbishment as talked about on page 66 of Brophy's book? Thanks

[Badger]

Have you checked the United States - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)?

There are a pair of "all correct" 30-40 Krags (rifle and carbine) for comparison.

Model 1898 Krag (Caliber 30-40) Rifle (click here)

Model 1899 Krag (Caliber 30-40) Carbine (click here)

Here's pics from the carbine photo montage of the rear sight that should be marked for carbines....

(Click PIC to Enlarge)(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Does yours have the small "c" on the side as shown in the pic above?

Regards,
Doug

[mauserdad]

Thanks for the comeback. No "C". Has a 1902 rear sight. Thats why I am thinking it is a cut down rifle but by who? Thanks

[jon_norstog]

Mauserdad,

My take on it is that your carbine may have started life that way or more likely was a rifle. The stock and hardware don't add up for me. The sight is a 1902 model, late model handguard, earlier staock with saddle ring .... Badger's pictures show the usual end-of-life configuration for Krag carbines: 1901 sight, no saddle ring, late-model handguard. A lot of them were fitted with sling swivels.

I would say do some checking. You may have a collection of valuable parts, rather than an original '98 carbine.

Maybe 5MF will check in on it?

jn

[mauserdad]

Jon,I have seen a few sporter cut down rifles. I own a couple. All had after market or 1903 front sights. It is possible someone put some work into this one maybe trying to pass it off as a carbine. I guess I am trying to find out if it is possible that a arsenal did the work.

[vintage hunter]

IIRC, Krag and Trapdoor front sights were attached via a dovetail and staked/soldered in place. Yours looks like it was just soldered straight to the barrel. I don't think an arsenal would have done it that way, just not strong enough. Another way to tell a purpose made carbine from a cut down is to measure the barrel O.D. at the muzzle. Not many people(except the savviest of counterfeiters) would go to the trouble of turning the barrel back down to the correct contour, therefore the muzzle dia. will be larger that normal.

[mauserdad]

Sir I took your advise and measured the barrel OD.
.650" @ muzzle
.652" @ front of front sight
.657" @ rear of front sight

Maybe someone could verify against a true carbine

Thanks for the advise.

[5MadFarmers]

Rifle