Hi all,

Newbie here. I recently purchased a "bubba'd" 1898 .30-40 Krag and failed to inspect properly. Got it home and realized the bolt was cracked near the lug. Presumably, due to the previous owner firing warm loads.

It seems NOS bolts are readily available. Is it simply a matter of purchasing a new bolt and sliding it in? Where do you recommend I purchase such a bolt?

I really like the rifle and want to make it a safe workhorse for hunting with factory loads.

Thanks for any help and guidance!

Paul

A new bolt will likely solve the problem.

Movieman630 has them on ebay for $55. 

Pictures would  be of interest.

Butlerstrangers,

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I will post photos this afternoon.  :)

Paul

I recently got a very nice, but not new, bolt body off ebay.  Numrich was the seller and I paid less than $30 for it.

Thanks for the bolt tips guys! My first sporterized rig so I'm learning.

I did order one through Movieman630 and I'm looking forward shooting it. I don't reload but the local sporting goods store has a case on order and I'll likely buy the whole thing if I can get there when it comes in.

I just love old "working rifles" and this seems like a timber rifle par excellence. I hunt pretty hard in the Rockies and usually end up falling on top of my rifle several times a season!  :-/ Now, if I can just hit that moose lottery this rifle will certainly be in tow!!

Some photos as promised and thanks again.

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'PaulD' - Nice looking Krag 'sporter'.

Yup, cracked bolt head.

I think you are right. Someone loaded the .30-40 too Hot!

That is a very nice looking Krag sporter indeed.

Double check the locking recess in the receiver.  Sometimes when the bolt cracks happened cracks mirroring the bolt also showed up.  Sometimes meaning, I found one like that.

Appreciate the compliments and I will inspect the receiver.

Anyone know what peep-sight options exist without having to drill holes?

'PaulD' - It looks like your magazine 'cut-off' lever has been removed and there is a bit of stock wood removed behind the side-plate.

It wouldn't surprise me if there was once a Redfield 'no drill' receiver sight on your Krag 'sporter'.

IMHO - The Redfield-102K and Pacific K-1 are the most practical and available 'no drill' sights.

They show up on ebay, often.

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My preference would be for the Redfield 102K.  Nice looking sporter there.  It should be a great shooter once the bolt body is replaced.  I agree that it was probably shot wayyyyy too hot (someone trying to get 30-06 velocities out of her).

Thank you guys! I'll keep my eyes peeled for a 102k.

Paul

Just thought that I would mention that there is a company called Kraghaus that makes a long eye relief scope mount that uses the krag sight's screw holes with a possible third hole being needed depending on the scope and picatinny rail needed. Nice rifle, good hunting.