Hello Everyone,

I am new to this forum and I would like to introduce myself. I am Manny Vargas a retired Marines Master Sergeant. I working on a small vintage rifle collection. I spotted a 1898 Krag for sale. The rifle has a peep sight that was welded on the rear of the bolt. The windage and elevation can be adjusted on the sight itself. Is this a production sight or was it added on by someone? 

Please see the enclosed picture.

Thanks,
Manny

---

Welcome to our forum Manny!
The sight pictured is aftermarket and a little crudely done. I have seen similar sights dove tailed into the cocking piece.

Welcome!

The safety ALSO looks like it has been buggered, and the receiver has been drilled for some sort of sight mounting. The rifle has basically been ruined, from any sort of collector standpoint. I have two suggestions:

(1) Buy a copy of the Poyer Krag book (   (You need to Login) For $20, it will answer 99% of your questions, AND save you from making any one of several HUGE mistakes (such as you posted).

(2) Study the Krags offered at   (You need to Login. usually seven pages of rifles for sale - which, after you read the book, you will understand MUCH better.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot for the guidance. I will be getting a book about the rifle. 

I was thinking about replacing the bolt and intalling a leaf sight.

Thanks again,
Manny

Manny:  You can usually get a Krag cocking-piece for $10-20 on eBay or at a gunshow and 'salvage' your present bolt.  Original safety levers are also common.  You can google search S&S Firearms (Glendale, N.Y.) and look at their catalog on-line.  They have some original and reproduction Krag parts and are a good outfit.  (I am sure your present peep sight has some good salvage value and is worth researching).
   Your barrel should have two screw holes where the original military sight was mounted.  Sometimes these are filled with 'cut-off' screws.  These holes were spaced the same on all Krag models.  These holes with with their peculiar 8-26 thread can be salvaged.  Original sights are available at shows and on eBay.  S&S has some sights and reproduction screws.  Get the Poyer book as suggested.  I got mine on eBay (searching "Krag") for less than $20, including postage.  There are numerous models of Krag rear sights.  Some are quite rare and valuable.  There is a lot of fakery with Krag stuff.  Common sights are available and provide a solution on a Krag that has been ruined as a collector item but can still serve as a good shooter.  It would be interesting to see pictures of your Krag on KCA forum.  You might get some good help and suggestions.
                Regards -- Butlersrangers