'Keith' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

That's a nice model 1896 Krag that your father has passed on to you.

It does not appear in the Springfield Research Services (SRS) records listed in my copy of Mallory's, "The Krag Rifle Story", (but, most Krag serial numbers are not).

Your Krag was assembled around February, 1898, near the time the U.S.S. Maine was sunk.

A good bore is a real plus on a Krag! Check your Stock on the left side near the wrist for an 'Acceptance Cartouche'. This is a lightly stamped 'box' with rounded corners and the script initials "JSA" (James Sumner Adams) and a year (probably 1898). This stamp was put on a Krag when inspected and accepted for service. There should also be a 'circled script P' on the stock, behind the trigger-guard. This signifies the rifle was proofed and function tested. (If these stamps are absent, it is generally accepted that the stock was replaced).

A rear barrel-band & swivel is easily found for around $25 on eBay. Your rifle has a 1903 Springfield front-band, which is incorrect. A Krag front barrel-band & stacking-swivel costs about $65. You need a hand-guard for the model 1896 sight. Originals sell for about $100. Reproductions are made, but, not so good.

I would suggest you contact one of the gentlemen listed in this forum's 'classifieds' and see if they can sell you the correct parts and in a condition consistent with your rifle's.

Be careful in cleaning your Krag. Educate yourself on proper disassembly. Just clean the wood with a mix of turpentine & linseed oil applied with cotton rags. Finish up with hand rubbed applications of linseed oil or Tung oil.

Metal parts can be cleaned with kerosene on rags or Hoppe's #9 solvent. Do not remove patina and finish. Light surface rust can be smoothed with solvent and the edge of a copper penny or #0000 steel wool pad soaked with Hoppe's. Krags were not finished like more modern arms. Educate yourself, go slow, and do no Harm!

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