Paul: I believe my 'modified' hand-guard probably was a replacement for one that cracked. (It's definitely cruder workmanship. My recent purchase came from Massachusetts -FWIW).

The 'holes' on my 'STGM Krag Stock' are similar to those pictured for a modified 1903 Springfield. The modified Krag stocks, I have seen pictured, up to now, have had a smaller rear cut-out.

I don't think my Krag's 'metal parts' were used on a STGM set-up. At least one Sub Target Gun Machine Krag, we have seen pictures of, had holes and 'solder marks' on the barrel.

The whole Sub Target Gun Machine 'set-up' is quite a curiosity. I doubt there is a person alive, today, that ever used one. The apparatus/training device was only around for about 20 years.

It appears the design evolved with many changes and versions. (It had 300 parts and required precision adjustments).

It was used in 31 countries and manufactured, at least, in the U.S.A., Britain (Wilkinson), and possibly, Canada. The U.S. Ordnance Department bought 45 of them (in 1908) for testing, N.Y. City Schools had about 20 of them by 1918, and they saw use at some Military Academies (U.S., Britain, and Canada) and by The Royal Navy. The price ran close to $500 (down to $257 in 1918).

Somewhere in the world, a Sub Target Gun Machine must survive, at least in part (or parts), its purpose probably forgotten, maybe mistaken for an industrial machine!

(note - The diagram, showing the fixture attached to a Krag, displays what must be an earlier cable mechanism).

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