So what do I have here?

[Shoestring]

I posted this recently on the CSP forum, but now I've moved over here, so we'll post it again.

I picked up what looks like a sporterized 1898 at a gun show recently, and was wondering what other information there may be from the collective wisdom.

Again, it's an 1898, serial number from May, 1900, with 1900 cartouched stock, 1902 rear sight, 24" barrel with original dovetailed front sight (not the 1905 banded sight), cut down and rounded forestock to a couple inches ahead of the upper barrel band, no filled-in areas in the stock, good rifling, and a 1907 sling.

I'm assuming that this is either a DCM sporter conversion or one done professionally, but again I'm not sure. I haven't shot it yet, as I'd like to get some headspace guages just to be sure.

I can post pictures if that would be helpful

Thanks to all

Craig

Information

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[Jim K]

One thing to look at is whether it is a carbine stock or a cut down rifle stock. If the bull has a sling swivel and the band is held by a cross pin, it is a rifle stock.

The fact that the front sight is the standard Krag type doesn't mean much. A lot of gunsmiths could put those sights back on.

Jim

[Bill H]

The arsenal cut down has a 22 inch barrel, and is in a carbine stock. It would have an 03 style front sight.

[Shoestring]

Thanks for the replies

The bull does have a swivel with the band retained by a cross pin, so that along with the cartouche is telling me it's the "stock" rifle stock. I guess it's just a nice professional sporterization job, which is fine with me; it's a good looking gun. Hopefully it shoots as well.

[devildog]

Looking for a rear sight for 1896 Krag. Sight leaf broke and I lost the base. Seen several, but want to make sure it fits in that well space designed for it.
Can anyone help?
Semper Fi
Devildog

[Dave]

DCM sporters had 22" barrels and a 1905 front sight. Most likely you have a commercial cut down sold by Bannermans, Stokes or another firm during the '30's. Also it could be a Legion or VFW cut down to conform with '03 Springfields. From your description of the stock (rounded) end I would say its a so called "bubba' job.

[Rick the Librarian]

Heyyyyyy Shoestring - saw your avitar! With a symbol like that, you must be a scholar and a gentleman!!



Rick
WSU '71

[Shoestring]

I'm neither one, but don't tell anyone

[Jim K]

Boy do I have a red face. I wrote "if the bull has a sling swivel". I meant butt, not bull, and apologize for the error.

That out of the way and humble pie eaten, quite a few gunsmiths were/are very good at replacing the Krag front sight in a way that looks original. While today this is often done for less than honorable reasons, in the old days it was common for a customer to want the original sight put back on after the barrel was cut.

Jim