Unusual Krag-need input

[Doco overboard]

Picked up this Krag rifle, figured it to be a Stokes or Bannerman but the more I look at it the more questions I have. Is there such a thing as a 1902 c marked sight? Did some one add them for a shorter sight radius intentionally.What is the inside diameter of a krag Bayonet guard? The front band has been set back the right amount that a m1905 grip will engage the lug however the guard is to tight for me to force. Why is there a script proof outside of the radius where a pistol grip once was that far back on the wrist and an R.I.A. 1911 stamp in front of it. The muzzle has not been crowned but has been cut square and lightly chamfered at the inside radius with good craftsmanship on the nose of the stock with the screw of the band dead on the mark. The quality of the work is surprising to me for homespun work or a cheap knock off scrap sale. The front of the 1903 band is at exactly 22 inches. I'm working on pictures, but I/m not good at this.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Looks like someone had a go at making a school gun. They were about like that except they turned the barrel to take a bayonet. The sight could have been anything at that point, but since they were rifles, it should have been the original rifle sight. The front sight you have is a 1903 type so it's not right and it's typical of cobbles together guns like this. The barrel should be 22" I think... Sounds like this one was cobbled together. If it shoots, you may still have a winner.

[butlersrangers]

The "C" stamped on your rear-sight base makes no sense. You have a 1902 rifle rear-sight.

The carbine version of the 1902 sight had a lower 'elevation-curve' on its base. The "C" marking is placed toward the middle of the carbine sight base

Your rifle sight has the elevation-slide knob that was developed for the early 1903 Springfield sight. This is a common 1902 sight variation. It is likely a lot of 1902 sights required arsenal rebuilding, due to knobs being broken off. The '1903 knobs' were surplus, having been made for a discontinued sight. They worked readily on the Krag 1902 sight.

Some of your stock markings may be suggestive of armory rebuilding prior to WW1. The Krag was still in wide use by National Guard and for 'Training' during WW1. (It may be a bit unusual to see such markings on an 1894 vintage rifle).

I agree with 'browningautorifle' that the 1903 front sight, re-crown, and odd barrel length reveal non-armory alterations.

[Doco overboard]

Gentleman thank you for your thoughtful replies. I figured it was a knock off school rifle but the features described in my original post may have just been wishful thinking for something more interesting. After firing the rifle I discovered the sight radius is not correct for the sight tangent. The rifle is wearing a Lyman front blade and more than likely will need a modified 03 blade to zero on the minimum graduation with a (6 o'clock hold)Results were good with a quick and dirty bore sight and it printed at 2 3/4" at 50 yds from prone with three shots. Initial safety fire with lanyard indicated shoulder would move front and I flinched a little. Brass stretched a little more than I cared .017, I wouldn't know if thats a problem or not with a rimmed cartridge but it seems as if the cartridge is fully supported at the head minus the extractor slot. This was the first time I shot a Krag and albeit a bobbed one, recoil was strait back and easy to follow through on. It was very interesting to study the rifle and whoever altered it did it with pride, I could tell it had been awhile before it had been apart from the dried cosmoline under the sight base and around the barrel stub. I guess it may not hurt to re barrel and splice the stock for a project? although it does carry and handle like a dream maybe more cost effective to search a correct one out.

[browningautorifle]

I'd leave it as is and search for a rifle in correct shape. In the end, this one is a shooter...and will work for that. Your brass will likely be ok for a few shots at least. If you start to crack it then worry.

[gunsaholic]

I'd leave it as is and search for a rifle in correct shape. In the end, this one is a shooter...and will work for that. Your brass will likely be ok for a few shots at least. If you start to crack it then worry.

I would agree with leaving it "as is" and search for a different one if you feel so inclined.

[butlersrangers]

'Doco' - "Delmarva Peninsula": I learn something new, everyday! I had not heard that name before and I live in a State that has lots of Peninsulas.

In regard to your Krag: If you reload, back-off your Resizing Die a turn or two and Neck-Size only. There is no point in needlessly working your Brass.

It is possible that someone 'lapped' your bolt's Locking-Lug so that the bolt Guide-Rib would make contact, at its rear, with the receiver. This was an old gun-smith practice and thought to make the U.S. Krag receiver "stronger". (The Norwegian and Danish Krags were built that way). In reality, this adds several thousandths of 'free travel' to a U.S. Bolt and results in additional 'case-stretch'.

It is easy to check this by removing the whole 'striker mechanism' from the bolt and inserting the 'bare' bolt into the receiver. There should be a few thousandths of an inch clearance between the rear of the bolt rib and the receiver. If the rib contacts the receiver, it has probably been 'lapped'.

A 'new' 1898 Krag bolt can be obtained for around $55 and will function in all earlier Krag receivers (and will restore the guide-rib clearance).

I agree with what others have said: "Enjoy your Krag as it is". In reality, it is worth more for its parts (and play value) than as a 'Whole Rifle'. It is not a candidate for restoration.

Attachment 69161

[browningautorifle]

It is possible that someone 'lapped' your bolt's Locking-Lug

Very real possibility...

[Doco overboard]

Browning Auto Rifle and Butlersrangers, gentleman you are 100% correct. It appears the single locking lug has been lapped to the point that it and the root of the bolt handle both contact the receiver simultaneously. I will take the advice to enjoy the rifle for what it is and just bump the shoulder or neck size only. I noticed that the guide rib has created light tool marks where it rotates on the receiver and the lug has none that I can see by eye! The bore is less than stellar but has distinct rifling, I bet that after a number of rounds accuracy will suffer. It is interesting that the smiths of the day thought that lapping the single lug to back the guide rib and bolt root back for strength was a more appropriate measure than keeping head space inside the limits of early brass and make the mechanism weaker and not stronger? I guess that lapping dual opposing lugs was already figured out during the development of the Springfield or maybe it was a service a smith could offer and accomplish easily. But at any rate, the Krag design and array of improvements /design changes is catchy and may surpass my interest in later US martial arms. Mr. Rangers DOCO is short for Dorchester County and overboard is for anything south of the interstate where hip boots are good for the tidal marsh and a Krag can live on a sika deer drive. (Chesapeake Bay) thank you gentleman again for sharing your insight and knowledge. Best Wishes, Brian