Does anyone make screws to plug the factory rear sight screws holes of a 1898 US Krag? I have an old sporter that I hunt with. I would like to keep the factory screw holes in my barrel in good shape should I ever decide to put a 1902 sight back on.

If not, does anyone know what the factory thread pattern was? Size? How many Threads per inch? (TPI) The plugs would have to be shorter than the factory mounting screws.

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wju:  The Kraghaus barrel scope-mount information (that can be accessed through the classifieds on this Forum) states that Krag sight screws are reportedly 8-26 (an obsolete thread size).  They are also reported to be a rare metric size M4 (.159 " diameter and 1.0 mm pitch).  Possibly some of the Krag's thread peculiarities are related to its Norwegian origins?
  I once had a Krag sporter that had the sight holes filled with lead.  This protected the threads and was not too unsightly.  (A small lead split shot could be tapped into the hole with a copper hammer;  the excess could be shaved smooth with a sharp blade, taking care not to scatch the barrel finish).  The lead plugs stayed in place but were easily removed.

I once had a Krag sporter that had the sight holes filled with lead.  This protected the threads and was not too unsightly.  (A small lead split shot could be tapped into the hole with a copper hammer;  the excess could be shaved smooth with a sharp blade, taking care not to scatch the barrel finish).  The lead plugs stayed in place but were easily removed.

This idea sounds like it will work well :) Thanks!