Hi Everyone,
I am new to the forum thanks for having me. I have a 1898 Krag and a few questions. What is the thumb lever for that is on the left side of the gun opposit of the bolt handle? It moves in a up or down motion. When shooting at 100y target my front sight post is well below the target holding 6 oclock. Is there a way to replace the front site post with a taller one? Thank you for your help.

The lever operates the magazine cut-off. Open the bolt and look inside the magazine (where the cartridges are presented to the bolt) and you can see the cut-off shaft in action as you flip the lever.

The front sight blade is held in place with a small pin and can be replaced after driving the pin out. It's reasonably easy to make a sight blade of any height you choose from sheet steel, with no more tools than a hacksaw and file.

Thank you very much!!! I am sure I will have more questions later. Thanks again. Para as in paratrooper? just wondering I am a ex 82nd trooper.

The thumb lever on the right side of the piece is used to make it into a single shot rifle if the lever is down, and if the lever is up it is to open the magazine of five rounds for use.  It was an attempt by the Ordinance Board to decrease the amount of ammunition used or in their eyes, wasted in combat.  Many soldiers paid for this economy with their lives against Spanish troops armed with stripper clip Mausers which had a faster rate of fire and a more powerful round.  As for getting a taller sight, S&S Firearms sells nice repro sights and a good gunsmith, though difficult to find, can do the work of replacing the front sight.  Wayne Todd :)

stcck wrote on Apr 12^th, 2010 at 4:54pm:

.... I am a ex 82nd trooper.

I think the correct term is "former" 82nd.   ;)

ATW - ABN!

Getting back on topic, that is a nice trick that parashooter recommended about the front sight.  I might have to try that.