SRS request 1889

[butlersrangers]

'sixball' - Your model 1898 Krag 'sportered' barreled/action has been put in a shortened model 1892 Krag rifle stock. That is why the forearm is showing a cleaning-rod groove.
(Model 1896 and model 1898 Krag stocks did not have a forearm cleaning-rod and groove).

That is also why there is a wide 'scalloped' area in the wood and a lot of clearance, around the bolt-handle and its 'notch' in the receiver. (Model 1892 and model 1896 Krag actions had a different shape in the bolt-handle 'notch' area).
The stock wrist is also very slender on the model 1892 stock, compared to later models.

The model 1892 stock did not have holes under the butt-plate. The butt was solid and had a flat butt-plate with no 'trap-door' for implements.
Someone may have fitted a later butt-plate, with the 'trap', to your early stock. They also may have put a 'recurve' in the wood, at the toe, to accept the later type butt-plate.

You have the remains of a rather rare stock. I would leave it, as is. It could be very desirable to someone, who is restoring an early model 1892 Krag.

A slight chip is developing in the wood behind your left side-plate. This is likely due to the rear of the 1898 side-plate being in contact with the wood.
(1892 and 1898 side-plates have slightly different shapes and contours).

It would be a good idea to secure the developing 'split' with wood-glue and shave a little wood where the side-plate is bearing on it.

Attached photos show OP's stock bolt-handle area and model 1898 stock, also, developing 'chip'.

Attachment 121761Attachment 121762Attachment 121763

[sixball]

Butlersrangers, Thank you for that information. It is very interesting. I have found no markings on the stock. The barrel does have two screws in the holes for a different rear sight. They are 2 1/4" apart and 3 1/4" ahead of the receiver. I'll make the suggested repair to stabilize the crack and releave the stress. That is within my skill set. I don't plan on making any changes other than possibly doing something with the rear sight so the bolt can be removed without the need to re-sight it. I want to be able to pass on some information to my sons who will someday have their turn with this and some others like the 7.7 Arasaka their grandfather brought home from WWII.

There is so much information here. Most of the threads I've been reading are old and I receive a warning about posting on them so I haven't yet posted on some other models I am interested in.
Thanks again, Tom

[butlersrangers]

'sixball' - All U.S. Springfield Armory Krag barrels, (rifle and carbine), have the same rear-sight screw-hole location and spacing.

There are five major U.S. Krag rear-sight models. Four of the models have rifle and carbine variations. There are numerous subtle part variations within some sight models.

The U.S. Krag sight-screws use an archaic thread: .156" diameter X 30 threads per inch. (You won't find these screws at the local hardware-store).

Screws original and reproduction show up on ebay or can be ordered from S&S Firearms, Glendale N.Y.
Occasionally, you get 'LUCKY' and buy a sight that comes with the correct screws.

Krag sight-screws come in several lengths and head thicknesses and styles. The different sight models require specific screws.

The different sight models also require specific wood handguards, if one is going to be used.

Attached picture shows some U.S. Krag rear-sight models. (Variations of model 1902 rifle sights are in the top row, 3rd and 4th from the left).

In my opinion, the model 1902 Krag rifle rear-sight is handy for hunting and one of the less expensive to obtain. The front and rear screws are identical on this model. A handguard is not really needed on a 'hunting' Krag.

Because you have a tall commercial front-sight on your Krag, it is likely an original Krag rear-sight will have to be set at around 400 yards, to be zeroed at 50 yards.

[browningautorifle]

I haven't yet posted on some other models I am interested in.

Just start a thread and ask us directly. The search feature here will also glean much hidden info that's already been published...

[sixball]

Butlersrangers. Thanks for that. Comparing what is offered today with what was commonplace quality 100 years ago is eye opening. Those sights are that quality

Jim. That is just what I am doing.I'm doing searches & reading what I find. I copied a very nice worksheet for the Arasaka I found on a link here and am filling it out with information from several posts. I will likely start a thread based on what I now know. I'm also doing some Seabee research to try to verify the story I was told by my father in law. I have the book about his outfit and want to get his military record. When I know something I'll start a thread in the right place. He was tough SOB, I'm glad we got along, wish we had had more time together.
Tom

[browningautorifle]

I'm also doing some Seabee research

We have a couple of those here too, one a bit recent and one I think was RVN time. Maybe they can help...as well.