Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive

Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
General >> Older threads >> My recent 1898 Krag rifle project http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1362535300 Message started by Sgt. Rob on Mar 6^th, 2013 at 2:01am

Title: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by Sgt. Rob on Mar 6^th, 2013 at 2:01am

This is the 3rd of three Krags picked up in three days. 1898 Krag rifle, SN 278593. (any one know if it has an SRS hit?)

It looks to be original, except for the cut stock (intend to repair) and missing handguard, muzzle cap and rear sling swivel. Hope to get her back in shape over the next couple months.

Any input appreciated!

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Is this repairable? or should I replace the whole sight? As I have a nice sight on the other sporterd Krag that will not be used on it.

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Again I would appreciate any and all information you Gents can give. In 3 days I became a Krag junkie! :o

Semper Fi, Rob

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by tanker on Mar 6^th, 2013 at 9:09am

Appears to be an excellent candidate for a forearm replacement. That, along with a handgaurd are definitely warranted, IMO.

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by butlersrangers on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 12:17am

Sgt. Rob:� Your rear sight elevation bar retaining screw is broken.� You can get a replacement screw (also elevation bar) from S&S Firearms.� The parts listed under '1903 Rod Bayonet Springfield' will work and are often found on Arsenal rebuilt Krags.

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by butlersrangers on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 12:48am

1902 Sight elevation bar locking knobs:� one mounted on rifle is original type and .30-40 rim could be used to tighten or release.� Loose sight has knob for 1903 Rod Bayonet Springfield and was ground for .30-03 Springfield cartridge.� These knobs are often found on Krags and are also correct.

krag-1902nobs.JPG ( 49 KB | 0 Downloads )

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by butlersrangers on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 12:56am

1902 parts:

1902-parts_001.JPG ( 206 KB | 0 Downloads )

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by butlersrangers on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 2:10am

Sgt. Rob:� There is a good likelyhood that your cut-down Krag stock is Italian Walnut.� These are usually 1899 or 1900 Cartouche marked.� The wood is lighter in color and has a different grain than American Black Walnut.� You will want to take this into account in your restoration.

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by psteinmayer on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 2:34am

I own 277469 (my cutdown sporter)! Very nice!!!

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by Sgt. Rob on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 7:20am

Thank you Gents for the information and particularly the picture on the sight take down!

I understand that the Italian walnut may be hard to match up, but think it will be worth it, the cartouche is 1900 dated, so it falls in the right time frame. I was given the name of a company called Dunlap that may be able to fabricate the fore end. By chance would you have any other suggestions? I do not want to mess this stock up or mismatch it as the markings very crisp and clean.

All this help is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Semper Fi, Rob

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by butlersrangers on Mar 7^th, 2013 at 2:40pm

Sgt. Rob:� East Taylor LLC (in the forum classifieds) makes generally decent repro hand-guards and forearm extensions ($70).� I've been lucky and received items that fit nicely in American Walnut.� You might give them a call and see if they can make components to match grain and color of lighter Italian walnut. I encourage you to restore your Krags! I hope things turn out to your liking.

Title: Re: My recent 1898 Krag rifle project
Post by Thomassen on Mar 8^th, 2013 at 5:10am

I did not have good luck with East Taylor LLC in the Replacement hand guard area. I just finished restoring my 1898 Krag with original 30 inch barrel made in 1900. I had ordered a hand guard from East Taylor. The sight opening was to big. and it did not have good wood to metal fit. I am sending it back. I picked up an original hand guard on Gunbroker for $75. Turns out the seller was Carl Weiss, one of teh founding members of this Association. I'd check Gunbroker for stocks and hand guards. They seem to sell for less there than on eBay.

Good luck on your restoration and good shooting.