I received this US Krag-Jörgensen "carbine" from my grandfather (with 1900 Krag bayonet), who bought it before a few years to hunt, but wanted it no more. I am German military collector, so I know little about American rifles, although I am in USA at the time. He thought it was carbine because it can not take bayonet, but I reserched it in the internet, and it is probably cut down M1898 rifle because of the sights and the lack of a metal piece in wood before first band. I thought I would ask experts here, so that I was sure. I have read that communication or engineer units had carbines with loops sometimes, but these were modified carbines and not rifles I guess. Any possibilty it was for paramilitary or rear units (National Guard or ROTC), or is it after military surplus modified? If modified by person, they did it well.

The "carbine" is 41" entire length with 22" barrel. The receiver has stamp "U.S. Model 1898. Springfield Armory. 238318". This serial number is from 1899 or 1900 when I searched on internet. Any more information possible? Stock is marked "C" and square with letters and year I cannot read good (1899 or 1901?). Front band has "U" stamp. Sight is later type that go to 20, no "c", but stamped "4". Front sight is 1903 type (I think).

What is worth, if anything? If fake, I am not interested to keep a fake rifle, because I am a militaria collector, and would sell it.

Many thanks for any help!

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Not really a "fake" carbine. It's just a cut-down M1898 rifle ( serial number not anywhere close to known M1898 carbines ). Many were done this way to make them handier as a hunting rifle. In fact, it seems that there are more cut-down M1898 rifles than those in original condition.

Thanks for the confirmation. It was, what I supsected.

I looked at gunbroker after I wrote my post and I see that people do not bid on ones like mine or not often, so to sell it is not likely, but I do not like this strange hunting rifle cut-off.

So I think, instead to sell it, that I will try to restore it with correct barrel and stock length (either replace entire stock or front part). I have read that someone did this, and will still cost less than new one because rifle was free to me.

Yes, it is a cut-down rifle.  I have one just like it and they are very nice rifles.  Not sure what you meant about the cut-off.

As stated, you could replace the barrel and get a new stock or stock extension.  You would also need a front sight and front band, stacking swivel and screw.  You would then still not have an "original" military rifle.

I know it will not be original, but it will be restored to look like it once had, which is better than something it never was (carbine). I will probably buy used barrel, which already has sight. They are for sale sometimes and I am patient for good price. It is mainly for display, because I have no place to go, to shoot it.

I mean cutoff = cutdown for barrel.

Shutze:  Your Krag displays well as it is.  It has the lines of the "DCM" carbine, which was widely copied by gunsmiths and sportsmen to make the Infantry Rifle into a useful hunting arm.  Its a real piece of Americana.