Hi,
I have a 1903 marked Springfield Krag.  The condition is very nice, but it appears to have been modified.  The barrel measures 26" and has the same front sight as a 1903 Springfield 30-06. The rear sight appears to be that of model 1892.  The stock is very nice, as is the barrel and all other metal parts.  I believe 1903 was the last year Springfield Armory made this rifle.  Did the government modify these rifles after WW1?  Or could this be a custom job done by a handy gunsmith?  Looks great on display, but not sure what I've got.
Thank you,
Mike

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Mike:  Welcome to the KCA Forum.  It is not likely anyone will know exactly by whom or when your Krag was modified, but, it was not done by Springfield or the U.S. government.  It would be interesting to know if it will accept a Krag or 1903 Springfield bayonet in its current configuration.  It is possible a VFW Post had it altered locally to appear more like a 1903 Springfield.  It looks like you have some nice parts and an altered Krag that can still be a fun shooter.

As butlersrangers your Krag was most likely modified for a VFW or Legion post, after being surplussed, to be more similar to the 1903.
Would you please share the serial number? Also have you had the barreled action out of the stock? What does the forend tip look like, lightning grove filled?

Hello,
Thank you for your responses.  The serial number of my Krag is 441XXX I guess that brings it to the 1903 issue date?  I've never separated the metal parts from the stock.  I have an early RIA model 1903 and the front sight and barrel band appear to be identical.  I know the rear sight is an early issue replacement. Here's a photo of the cartouche.

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Mike:  That is a nicely struck 'Cartouche' and your stock looks to be in really fine shape.  If you closely examine the forward tip of your stock, you will likely find a wood patch or plug (as Ned stated) that is filling the 'lightening channel' that would be exposed, when a full length stock is shortened.  A Krag built and accepted in 1903 normally would have a 1902 or 1901 style of rear sight.  A picture of your hand-guard and its relationship to the model 1892 rear sight would be interesting to see.  Also, a detail shot of your front sight and the fit of the front barrel band/bayonet lug (to wood and metal), would be interesting to see.  Any time a 26 inch barrel is mentioned on the forum it piques interest, because, there is an extremely rare (100) Krag model (Board of Ordnance and Fortifications rifle) that was experimented with in 1902.  The Bd. of Ord. & F. rifles had 26 inch barrels, but, regular Krag front sights, specially calibrated 1901 carbine sights, special stocks without the forward lightening cut, and front bands that were expertly reformed to fit a larger barrel contour.  (Your high serial number, 1903 Cartouche, and 1903 front sight, rules your rifle out.

Hi,
My stock does in fact contain the plugged area you refer to. 
Thank you,
Mike

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