Early Krag rifle for review

[Ruffasacob]

I've had this early Krag for a while and would like to know a little more about it.
It's serial # 8541. I think it has been updated to the 1896 specs, but would like to have those that know have a look. The pictures are a little dark, let me know if any others are needed. Is the sling right?
Thanks,
Ruff

Information

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[Ruffasacob]

Here are a few more pictures.

[browningautorifle]

Is the sling right?

The sling is one of the ones made from two pieces instead of one long piece, easier to do because the others would take the prime piece out of a hide and two pieces together were cheaper...was my understanding... Looks right. Nice rifle...

No inspection cartouche on the stock? A later stock?

[Ruffasacob]

Last five.

[Ruffasacob]

The only mark I see on the stock is a small "2" right behind the trigger guard.

[browningautorifle]

How is the bore?

[Ruffasacob]

The bore is excellent.

[butlersrangers]

'Ruffasacob' - Interesting 1894 dated Krag-Jorgesen. It is not a 'model 1892 updated to model 1896', because your early receiver has not been 'notched' for the 'hold open' pin, your barrel's muzzle has its original 'flat' crown (not rounded), and the front-sight blade looks like it might be the original type.

Your bolt & extractor is not correct for a model 1892 rifle. It appears to be a model 1896 or 1898 bolt. Your stock appears to be a model 1896 field replacement, (it does not appear to have a 'filled' Wiping-Rod groove). Your Hand-Guard is not the early type. Butt-plate and front barrel-band are 1896 or later. (Your bolt should have an extractor without a 'hold open' pin). Your rifle's original stock had a 'flat' butt-plate, slender wrist, and full length Wiping Rod.

Your rifle is a mixture of early and later parts. There are some Krags, between the model 1892 and 1896, showing some improvements that some collectors now label "Magazine Rifles". I don't know the full criteria for these variants. (I don't think your parts combination is one of these Armory produced variations).

Your receiver and barrel are especially interesting and have value for someone restoring or building an early model 1892 Krag. (Un-notched receivers and 'flat muzzled barrels' are rare to find).

[CINDERS]

It looks a nice rifle I's be happy with it, the thing is when you look at the DOM and what went on in the world with conflicts large and small its a wonder any of them even remotely stayed together with their original as issued parts especially given the attrition rates and breakages along the way's.

[Ruffasacob]

Thanks for replies. And thanks br, very interesting information.
Do others think the sling is right time period??