1898 Krag SRC With Issues

[yobtaf]

Picked up this obviously non-original 1898 Krag SRC; although the stock appears original except there is no discernable cartouche. The barrel is the least original having no holes for the rear sight and a very incorrect front sight. A Pacific peep sight has been added. Does anyone know where the barrel may have come from?

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[Trajan98]

There are a number of folks who make replacement barrels. One is Criterion
.30-40 Krag Barrel
The stock is interesting as it appears to be an 1898 carbine stock, with the saddle swivel on it. From your photo, it doesn't appear to have had the cartouche sanded off. I would bet it's a replacement stock and barrel for your action although why someone would go to the expense of replaceing both is a mystery.
enjoy shooting it.
Cheers

[yobtaf]

Thanks for the response. I plan on shooting it after I get some .40-30 ammo.

[Trajan98]

Thanks for the response. I plan on shooting it after I get some .40-30 ammo.

30-40 ammo works better! The ammo is seasonally produced by Remington and Winchester so it may be tough to find at your local ammo store. I buy mine on-line and pay about $1.75 a round with shipping. If you find a better deal, let us know!

[yobtaf]

Ha! Good point! I bought a box of 20 rds online just to test it out first. Thanks again.

[Salt Flat]

Yobtaf, The stock looks great and the Pacific peep sight is a no drill item so no damage there. Is the serial range correct for a carbine? Flaydermans and others list the serial ranges. Redfield made a little more robust peep sight that mounted just like the Pacific. Actually looks damn nice though as is! Salt Flat

[yobtaf]

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, the serial number is not correct for a carbine: 481378.

[browningautorifle]

I'd just do as you're suggesting, and shoot it. I'd also procure ammo or brass and re-load myself. it works out fine that way. They're easy on brass and you're going to love shooting it.

[yobtaf]

Thanks. But I may wind up selling it because I have my eye on a couple of original 1896 Krag SRCs coming up for auction today.

[Trajan98]

Springfield did not annotate on their records which guns were carbines and which were rifles as the serial numbered part, the receiver, was common to both. There are ranges of serial numbers associated with carbines but were actually rifles so the serial number is not a definite identification for a carbine. The true measure of a barrel is, with the bolt closed, using a cleaning rod, a carbine should measure exactly 22" from bolt face to muzzle. Rifles that were cut down to carbines were often not cut excatly to 22".
There are lots of "FrankenKrags" out there (I have one). Don't be discouraged, they are still fun to shoot and a part of history.