I finally got my great great grandfathers gun up and shooting.  I don't want a scope and am looking for a clean way to mount a bipod for long distance target shooting.   The gun is original and not sporterized.  I believe it's a 1902 - 1904.    Who sells an adapter or what do I need? Don't want to mount on wood stock or around the barrel with a clamp.  I need some specific ways to mount the bipod and who makes what I need. Also like some recommendations for a good bipod.  I'd rather have something with a more classic look. Thanks

IF you want something that is period correct, then you need to find a good set of cross sticks for suporting the rifle. If you do not want to attach anything to the rifle then you need to go to your local gun shop and see what types of sun rest/supports they have avalible. I would recomend this to start with as it will give you a much better support for the rifle till you know how well your rifle will shoot, at the rianges you are looking for. Then I would go the the Sticks and learn the way to shoot twith them.

If you are shooting at a range with benches, then stacked lead shot bags work wonderful!

I shoot only in the California desert and the terrain really varies in terms of up slope/down slope..left and right slope angles.  The area is very volcanic.  Many ridges, ravines, hills and valleys. Really want something fairly light to lug around.  Really love the idea of cross sticks...keeping it simple, but effective without having to mount anything to the gun. Want to shoot 250 yards plus with the iron sites at clay pigeons.  Would really appreciate a good source on dialing in the adjustable main site.  Would love to nail a clay at 500+ yards.  Got really bored shooting shotguns and rifles with scopes.  Want to go sniper...far as possible with iron site only.  I get wobbly on far shots with my elbow resting on my knee.  My 50 year old eyes get mighty weary focusing. I'm 99% positive it's me not being steady rather than the load or the inaccuracy of the riffling. Really, really love shooting this gun. Most fun I've had in years. Honestly one of the few things I really look forward to doing with my sons.  We set some clays out at about 150 yards on a sloping ravine.  First shot of the gun in 75 plus years..nailed the clay on my first shot. Now my favorite gun!  Ordered 200 rounds of brass and a mold.  Can't wait to go for 500 yards with iron sites and a spotting scope. Thanks so much!  Just didn't think of cross sticks.  Really love the thought of such a simple old school idea.  Ashamed it never crossed my mind. Got too caught up in my generation of shooting longer distances with a bipod. 

Chris:  I don't think anyone suggested you try using a period style sling.  Decent repros are available and this really tightens up position shooting.  (Also a fine way to carry a rifle).  There are also 'walking' sticks made that have an adjustable rest built in to serve as a rifle rest.

I am not sure of the site you have on your rifle, but if you plan on shooting at longer ranges, you may want to get the 1902 site for your rifle as it allow for windage adjustments, as the Krags are known for throwing rounds to the left at longer ranges. I plan to getr one for my Model 96 Carbine, as I plan to shoot at long range from time to time and Kentucky windage does not cut it in compatition.

Look at old photos & drawings of men (mostly soldiers) shooting the Krag at long range.  Some used a sitting position with the rifle held crossways in their arms.  The sling is used to help steady the rifle.  From prone, there were a couple of back rest positions.  The sling was wrapped around one leg to absorb recoil.  You have to be a bit of a contortionist.  A shooting mat or pad is probably desirable.

Old fart here:

(1) A "site" may be a place to shoot, but a "sight" is what is on your rifle.

(2) I doubt very much that an iron-sighted Krag is capable of staying on a clay at 500 yds. Yes, you may hit one from time to time, but there will be a fair amount of luck involved - that is asking for better than 1 m.o.a. performance.

Have fun anyhow!

Top Dean wrote on May 26^th, 2012 at 4:14pm:

I am not sure of the site you have on your rifle, but if you plan on shooting at longer ranges, you may want to get the 1902 site for your rifle as it allow for windage adjustments, as the Krags are known for throwing rounds to the left at longer ranges.

If you have a 1901, 1896 or 1892 rear sight, you will not be able to install a 1902 sight without also replacing the hand guard.  The opening for the various rear sights varies depending on the sight used, and they are not interchangeable.  Visit the photo page on this site... there are pictures of the various rear sights as well as the appropriate hand guards.  Bear in mind... the 1898 and 1902 rear sights are very similar and share the same hand guard design too

Thanks OLD Fart.  I agree.  I realize it will be a very lucky shot.  Just really want to try.