Hi all,

I have a Krag 1899 carbine that I have had for a bit, It came from a group of firearms that I got from an older friend of mine. I had Rick the Liberian look at it and he thought it was all carbine except the barrel. I didn't think the barrel was a carbine barrel either as it has an 03 front sight. I would like to figure out the story with this carbine. I am not planning on selling it, but would like to know an estimated value for my records. Also would someone please be able to look up in the SRS for 226798.

My library for Krags is limited currently. I have the Poyer book and would like to get Col Brophy's book as I have his 03 book, but have other priorities for the cash currently.

I forgot to add I would like to replace the screw on the sight with the correct thumb screw.

Thanks
Martin

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I'm not sure about the barrel, length is needed, measured from bolt face to crown with a rod.  As for your elevation locking screw, one from a 1903, which is easier to find will work. Sarco has them for $5.95.  Someone will likely come along and give you some direction on installation.

I was thinking of doing just that and getting an 03 locking screw.

Thanks

'RedLeg0811' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

No SRS match. The closest numbers are 226756 (model 1899 carbine sold to Northwestern Military Academy 09/10/1938) and 226812 (model 1899 carbine sold to Squadron 'A', NYNG 02/24/1909).

A reproduction 'slide lock-screw' can be purchased from S&S Firearms, Glendale, N.Y. (catalog viewable on-line) for $12.50.

Your barrel appears to be a Krag barrel. Krag carbine and rifle barrels have the same taper. The only dimension that is helpful in identifying 'carbine origin' is the 22 inch length already mentioned. (If your barrel is longer than 22", it is a shortened rifle barrel. If it is 22" or less, its origin could be a carbine barrel or a rifle barrel).

Your barrel was 'stepped' at the muzzle to accept the 1903 Springfield front sight base. The barrel crown and finish on the sight are below Armory quality, so it is not one of the 'so called' NRA/DCM carbines made at Benicia Arsenal.

I believe your hand-guard is a nice repro and the sight screws look like reproductions or re-finished.

You have a very nice original carbine stock with a 1901 'cartouche'. I would estimate the value of your Krag at around $550 to $650.

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Thanks  Butlersrangers,

I forgot to add the top of the butt plate has NJ stamped in it. I am guessing maybe New Jersey National Guard, but I don't know if it would just have NJ or NJNG?

My thought is it was a shot out or corroded barrel and was replaced. When I had the site off the tapped and threaded job didn't seem up to armory specs either. I am trying to remember if I saw a "C" on the site. I will measure the barrel, but I am pretty sure it is not a Krag carbine barrel.

I had the same thought on the hand guard due to the texture and the difference in color tone.

Would it be worth it to have it rebarreled with a carbine barrel. Or would the money be better spent else where?

'RedLeg0811': I added more information to my previous post.

It is very likely that "N.J." marked butt-plate is for New Jersey National Guard.

Be advised, however, that your model 1899 carbine, #226798, was likely built in August to November of 1899. It was probably accepted for service in 1899. It is improbable the stock it now has, with a 1901 'acceptance cartouche', is its original stock.

It is likely your carbine was updated or refurbished at some point. The serviceable parts, 'wood' and 'metal', were not kept together during the armory rebuilding process.

Most Krags are not as they left Springfield the first time.

So other than the locking screw, probably better to just shoot it as is?

FWIW: If your bore is good, I would recommend fixing the rear sight knob and enjoying your nice Krag, as it is. Put the additional money into shooting, developing a library, and more Krags!

BTW: That is a correct model 1901 carbine sight on your Krag. There are three "c" markings: on base, side of leaf, and on 'slide-notch'.

Will do, thanks. I have wanted a Krag for a long time, but the ones that I saw were either too expensive or messed with and the person wanted unmessed with prices. I will get a Krag rifle to add to my collection. Just not sure when.

Thanks

'RedLeg0811': I am curious about the length of your Krag's barrel.

Your Krag is a nice utility rifle that you don't have to feel guilty about using. Carbine length Krags are fun shooters.

IMHO - You also have some valuable parts: 1899 carbine stock ($300), 1901 carbine rear-sight ($150), 1899 carbine barrel-band ($50), plus all the other parts. More fun than money in the bank!

(p.s. - If they appear chewed up, your barrel's sight-screw holes were probably damaged by 'forcing' incorrect thread replacement screws. Original Krag sight-screws have an unusual .156"X30tpi thread).

I will try and measure tonight as I will be in the shop working with my son on his Cub Scout regatta boat.

This is why I like the old military firearms as it is like a puzzle to figure out what happened with it. I do find it interesting that the barrel was replaced as the rest of the rifle is in good shape very little rust in some of the cervices that I was able to clean up with Corrosion X, cotton patch and elbow grease. Wonder if it was shot and not cleaned then the bore was super corroded.

Thanks
Martin

Martin: The U. S. military .30-40 ammo was quite corrosive with the early smokeless powders and mercuric priming. If proper cleaning was not done, soon after firing, there was damage to the bore.

I have a model 1899 Krag, similar to yours, that was used for Hunting. It has a pristine bore and a replacement 'banded front-sight'. The barrel is a original Krag barrel, but, it is 22&1/4 inches long. It has to be a rifle barrel that was shortened. When I got the Krag, it was in a horribly re-shaped Krag carbine stock. I put it in a cut-down rifle stock and it is probably my favorite Krag for shooting!

The Krag was very inexpensive and popular, as a Hunting rifle, in the 1920s to 1940s. There were surplus parts and barrels. There were commercial 'after-market' sights available. Sometimes 1903 Springfield barrels were altered to .30-40 for use on the Krag. The 1903 Springfield front-sight was a cheap and viable replacement sight. Altering Krags was common work for professional and amateur gunsmiths of that era.

IMHO - Barrel replacement seems to have been relatively common on Krags used for Hunting. (Who wants a crappy bore)?   

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I measured the barrel and it was 22".

Here are some other picture. Noticed the 48 by the proof mark. Not sure what it is for? It has been awhile since I have read Poyers book, so it might be in there.

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The #48 is believed to be a sub-inspector or stock worker mark. Most Krags have initials or a number in that area. (The exact identity or significance is now unknown).

Nice New Jersey marked butt-plate.

The barrel crown is not the correct muzzle 'contour' for Springfield Armory work. It is likely someone cut a longer barrel to 22 inches.

Then again, maybe the crown just looks odd because a 'step' was turned at the muzzle area to accept the 1903 'banded' front-sight.

FWIW - Fitting a 1903 Springfield front-sight was a common and inexpensive 'Civilian fix' to provide a sight on a shortened barrel. It is unlikely this would be done on a carbine barrel, which had a perfectly nice front-sight base, for which various commercial sight blades were available.

(For comparison - photo of 1899 carbine front sight & muzzle area):

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Thanks for all the info. It will still be a fun rifle to shoot. I have not had the chance yet. It is annoying that I belong to a range and have not had time to use it between, family stuff, work and Cub Scouts with my son.

Thanks again
Martin