I would like to know the purpose of the, what I'll call, "sling swivel" located directly behind the bayonet guide/attachment. Also, I'm sure there is a reason why it is a "split" swivel and not a "closed" swivel similar to the two for the sling.

Hi, I believe you are referring to the stacking swivel. This was used in a field setting where two or three other Krags were hooked together to form a free standing rifle rack. It resembles a teepee. John

That would be at least 3! after that, pile 'em on.   :-)

krag57:  Two Krags could be 'hooked' together by their stacking swivels and a third Krag rested in the "V" formed by their barrel muzzles, thus forming a tripod.  Additional Krags could be leaned on the tripod and other gear hung on the muzzles.

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The 1903 Army Team at Camp Perry National Matches made unusual use of the stacking swivel as a sling swivel.

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Excellent information, folks; much appreciated. Now, when my kids (they'll be the fourth generation owners) inherit the 2 Model 1898's (1899 & 1901) many years from now, they'll know more about them than I did when I first fired them in the 1970's.

I thought all three were hooked together? I know that's how it was done with M1s, and the third man had to give a little twist to "set" the assembly. I'd think hooking two, and simply leaning the third would be a recipe for disaster. Once the three are 'locked', the stack will hold as many as you can find room for.

Believe it or not... the USMC is still using this practice.  When I was out at 29 Palms last February, I witnessed dozens of "Stacks" of M-4s/M-16s from the Marines I was working with.  I don't believe they have the stacking swivel, but rather use a device to lock the initial three together.

if the Marines do it like the Army does you ues the sling of one riffle and slide the barrels of the other two into it and thus you have you stacking base. Yes it does take 3 interlock with stacking swivels or it is a BIG mess in a very short time.