I've got an 1896 pretty close to what you have in terms of being "sporterized". The Krag was very desirable as army surplus being an inexpensive smokeless powder rifle in the early to mid 1900's, especially in carbine form. As the carbines were scarfed up some dealers and home hobbyist would take a krag rifle and cut it down to carbine style. Happened a lot much to the dismay of current Krag enthusiasts. I enjoy mine all the same and I'm sure you will, also.