Overall length is 43 1/2 inches and barrel length is 24 1/2 inches. It was done well if cut down and the crown is good. The bore is very bright with really good rifling. I'm pretty picky about bore condition and I would rate this one as good+. Probably the best Krag bore I have personally seen.Originally Posted by browningautorifle
'Scottz63' - Your Krag should be a fun shooter. The stock and barrel have definitely been cut down by a civilian.
Springfield Armory did not make a Krag model with a 24.5 inch barrel.
Some VFW posts had their standard Krag rifles 'shortened' to a 24" barrel length to make them appear 'more like' the 1903 Springfield rifle.
It would be interesting to see detailed photos of your front and rear sights. It appears your present rear-sight is a model 1896 sight that has been put on backwards.
Your hand-guard appears to be one that was made for the model 1892 Krag.
(The sight-opening may be altered).
The front-sight looks to be some type of commercial 'ramp'.
Your Krag, serial number 244581, (or 244531), was likely built around January or February of 1900.
Last edited by butlersrangers; 11-05-2023 at 12:33 AM.
It looks nice and I wish you luck with it.
One thing to be aware of which I was unaware of until I got my 1903 dated Krag rifle is the type of ammo they used. The rounds were loaded with a cupro-nickel jacketed bullet which unless it's scrubbed out vigorously with ammonia leaves an almost chrome looking liner in the bore. Mine was slugging at .307 there was so much buildup in my barrel. After several days of scrub and soak it finally cleaned out. Although the rifiling came up sharper and deeper than it originally looked some shallow pitting did appear down towards the chamber which hasn't had any effect on accuracy. You may not have that problem but it's something to consider. The original ammo for these rifles was highly corrosive so for any service rifle to survive absolutely pristine is highly unlikely.
The best Krag bores are often found on rifles and carbines that someone altered for Hunting.
Even Krag barrels with some pitting, erosion and roughness can shoot jacketed bullets surprisingly well.
Thanks for the info! I was thinking 1900 for the serial number date but, did not know the estimated month. It does have an incorrect front and rear sight. The rear is an 1896 version I believe. It has the space in the handgaurd and the "ghosting" of a larger sight. I need to get an 1898 sight for it. Will a 1902 sight work?
Thanks! Bore is pretty good, as far as most Krag's I have looked at. Fairly bright and good rifling. .30 caliber muzzle gauge measures at a 1 and the crown looks pretty good.
Quick pic just snapped outside as the sun just set, kind of weird lighting. Rear sight turned around and installed a spare WW2 Enfield sling for now.
The exact reason they were done. I had the school gun that had an almost perfect bore. That was why it had been selected, bore condition. Originally it was just cut down a bit for hunting...
Regards, Jim
That is a nice looking rifle. Reloading may be your only hope, but the brass is likewise scarce. My .30-40 Krag is a fine shooter with cast bullets. I like the Lyman 308284. My hunting buddy has a 1895 Winchester in .30-40 Krag. A couple of Colorado elk are proof that he has figured out the "code" for paper patch bullets in his rifle.
Thank you! It's beautiful to me as I have always wanted one. I went to the gun show this weekend just to look around and this Krag was at the second to last table near the exit door on my way out. Out the door it went with me. Lol!
Question. What sling do most use on these? I'm thinking a 1907 style sling would look good on it.
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