There's a lot to learn about Krags! Heavy on pics

[Rancho113]

Well, I was really happy when we first found this buried in the back of my wife's mom's closet. Thought it was a beauty, had been there for decades. Started looking around at other Krags and thought mine had been sporterized (disappointed). Now I see there are carbines (happy). After reading lots of posts and checking the other forums, mine started looking better (happier yet!). Time to get your collective opinions. You are all knowledgeable (spell check!) and I value your experience. There is a groove for the oiler behind butplate too. thanks for your input.

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.

[JOHN42768]

Hi, Does your mother in law have any other closets that need cleaning? Really great example of a late 1899 Carbine that was manufactured in 1901with 1901 rear sight and 1902 HG. I can't see in the photo, but the ladder should be graduated up to 23. There also should be a C on the slide and on the right side of the front sight. Cartouche is clean and not worn. When you measure the barrel, use a cleaning rod from muzzle to face of bolt. Should be 22" on the nose. Serial number is not listed in SRS. Congratulations on a very nice find. John

[Rancho113]

Thanks John, you called it: ladder sight goes to 23, there is a 3rd "c" on the rear sight slider, there is also a c on the right side of the front site and a cleaning rod measures 22" exactly from muzzle to bolt face.

[Salt Flat]

Rancho, Rancho, RAANCHO! All I can say is holy crap!!! Most collectors only dream of finding such a nice Krag carbine. That is like winning the lottery! Congrats!! Salt Flat

[NRA]

Damn I like it lots

[JOHN42768]

Mark, Sounds like you need books. regarding Krag: "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine" by Joe Poyer, relatively inexpensive, but not all info 100% ; "The Krag Rifle Story" by Franklin Mallory. very good, but expensive; "The Krag Rifle" by Lt.Col. William Brophy, very good, but expensive. Keep an eye on the auction sites. The first one runs about $22 and the other two hardcover expect to pay well over $100 each. Food for thought. Anyway since you already made out like a bandit, look for books. John

[Rancho113]

John, yea I saw those authors go by in some of the posts that I read. G/B has a real nice copy of Brophy's book for 140. I'll keep an eye out, but until I decide to expand in to more Krags there's not an immediate need... Like you guys said, enjoy the lottery when you can. Thanks again.

[jon_norstog]

Rancho,

That is an unusually nice '99. You did good!
The carbine tells a story. It took the Army about 35 years to realize that cavalry charges were a thing of the past and that most cav fighting since the middle of the CW had been done dismounted. So they finally lost the "saddle ring" on the '99 carbines. The lanyard attachment was replaced by a scabbard, the trooper could draw the weapon as he dismounted.. The hump on the handguard is so the rear sight doesn't snag in the scabbard. Earlier carbines got the later updates, mostly. Some of them got sling swivels and a rifle-style handguard - supposedly they were issued to engineer and artillery units.

jn

[cprher]

Shooting it at 200 yards while testing some hand loads



What it with the right loads. The group at 6 o'clock is using the Speer 180 grain JRN (.312") over 42 grains of IMR 4350



What it looks like in detail














This is my 1898 Krag Target rifle built by an unknown gunsmith in the early 50's. She shoots like she looks.












Her best performance at 200 yards

[Salt Flat]

Wow! Two nice rifles! The 98 looks to be all original finish. Extremely nice condition. I really like the crisp finger grooves and unworn cartouches. The gunsmithing work on the target riflle is high quality. Do you have plans for a vintage scope on it ? Salt Flat