I recently acquired my grandfather's 1898 Krag Carbine.  It is in beautiful original, un-modified condition.

My problem is re-assembly.  For the life of me I can't figure out how to get the bolt back in.

Can anyone point me to a set of instructions or give a newbie a helpful hint?

The bolt probably got uncocked. Hold the sleeve and raise the handle until it catches. Then swing the extractor to the right (same side as handle) and insert bolt into receiver with lug up. Turn clockwise and (simultaneously) snap extractor into slot. MUCH MUCH harder to describe than to do!

FWIW, true Model 1898 Carbines are pretty scarce. Most so-called "1898 Carbines" are actually shortened rifles. Serial number needs to be in the 112000 to 135000 range. Is your stock 30" long, or 32"?

Figures 110 thru 113 works for most:

  (You need to Login

That (110-113) is fine, IF the bolt is cocked. But, if it has become uncocked, it could well be a puzzle for a newbie, who would likely not realize there was any difference.

And, I NEVER noticed - how, in that wonderful presentation - did they manage to ignore (forget?) bolt disassembly?  When you look at some of the exotics (buttplate door - which never needs doing - and if it did, the process is pretty self-evident) that ARE covered, you have to wonder. Still a great help though. I'm sure that a few handguards have been saved thereby.

There is another link to the bolt take-down:

  (You need to Login

I agree some info is still missing. Another photo from the left side of the bolt between figures 31 and 32 with a caption: 'Pull cocking knob while rotating clockwise until the tooth on the cocking pin slides up the collar ramp and fits into the small rib at the top of the ramp" would be nice.