Thank you for your thoughts. This particular project is a bit out in front as there are a few others on the bench. I think butlersrangers suggestion is a dandy: 'Leave the metal bits alone, build the sporter, search for the replacement military bits and another previously molested Krag.' Best of both worlds. Brilliant!

I will try to remember pictures of the journey. I should probably put up a couple of my 1894 1896 sporter for perusal.

Edited: date correction