Morning All!

I was wondering if anyone had a good lead or know of a website for a 1898 Krag rear sight.  I got this full sized one for $120 at an estate auction, but the original rear sight was an aftermarket flip up, not the original slider.  Thanks so much for your help!

Which rear sight you need depends on which model of handguard you have.  There's a handguard fits the 1892 and 1896 model sights, one that fits the 1898 and 1902 sight, and one that fits the model 1901 sight.  Pictures here:    (You need to Login

Hi kenserres,

Here's a nice looking 1898 sight that's currently up for bid/buy-it-now on Gun Broker for $185.00

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You can also look for an 1898 sight at the usual places listed below:

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Like Madesenshooter was alluding to... depending on the type handguard used may determine what model sight will fit. Assuming there is a handguard.

The Model of the rifle/carbine you have will also determine what rear sight would be appropriate.  For example... The Model 1898 could correctly have a 1896, 1898, 1901 or 1902 rear sight mounted.

Pictures would certainly be nice to give us a peek at your beauty!

'Kenserres - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

If I understand correctly, you recently purchased a U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle and its rear sight is not completely original.

If you post some pictures of your rifle's hand-guard and rear-sight base, KCA members can tell you which parts or model sight you need to complete your model 1898 rifle.

Most likely your Krag had a model 1901 or model 1902 rear sight. The model 1896 sight is also a remote possibility. (The model 1898 rear sight is unlikely, because these were removed when the higher velocity 2,200 fps ammo was abandoned).

As others have stated, the rear-sights have specific wood hand-guards. The different models of sights require different openings in the hand-guard.

An 1898 rear sight would be nice from a collector's standpoint, but if you plan on shooting it, then I would opt for the 1902 instead.  The 1898 sight was calibrated for a hotter round that was eventually removed from service, and would not be as accurate when shooting ammo at normal velocities.  Plus, the 1902 usually has the pop-up Sgt. Peep which can aid in accuracy.  This is of course all dependent on if you have the proper handguard for the 1898/1902, as stated by others.

It is possible the OP meant a correct sight for his model 1898 Krag, rather than specifically the model 1898 rear-sight.

Only a small percentage of model 1898 Krags ever wore the three sighting notch Dickson sight, a.k.a. model 1898 sight. Its use was confined to model 1898 rifles and model 1899 carbines made during a specific date and serial number range.

Recently picked up this 1898, which apparently has an original rear sight, minus the sight ladder head.  Before I buy the wrong thing--what is correct?  I have seen a couple images with a three notch head and read other sight heads were also correct.  Serial number is 1905XXX--1899 manufacture best I can tell and 1898 R&C handguard.  Thanks  (I tried posting a photo, but it was too large and my computer skills aren't what they need to be to make the image smaller.)

'Rmasters3' - Some brief explanation:

The various U.S. Krag rifle and carbine models are basically referred to as model 1892, model 1896, model 1898, and model 1899. (BTW - This is not dependent on the year they were actually manufactured).

Coincidentally, the various models of Krag rear-sights, (rifle and carbine), are also referred to by model 1892, model 1896, model 1898, model 1901, and model 1902. (The "sight model" does not change the model of rifle or carbine the sight is found on).

Many Krag rifles and carbines received 'sight updates'.

For example, it is not unusual to find a model 1896 Krag rifle with a model 1902 rear-sight (and appropriate hand-guard), on it. Such a rifle is still a model 1896 rifle.

"Legitimate" Model 1898 Krag rifles have been found with model 1896, 1898, 1901, or 1902 rear-sights on them.

It appears your Model 1898 Krag rifle is wearing the hand-guard that was used with both the model 1898 and model 1902 rear-sights.

My 'hunch' is that you likely have a model 1902 sight.
A well focused picture, smaller than 768 KB, will allow positive identification.

FWIW - A model 1902 rear-sight "Slide" will work on both a model 1898 and model 1902 rear sight "Leaf". The 1898 sight "Leaf" has smooth edges. The 1902 sight "Leaf" is serrated on its left side.

'Granpas-gun parts' or S&S Firearms will likely have compatible parts for your sight 

Should have mentioned--I have the roller coaster rear sight, supposedly correct for the 1898 & 1902, as I understand it. 

  (You need to Login I've seen several ladder heads that have been altered--rounded corners--and I might just go with one of those.  What's the story with these, BTW?

This rifle is in pretty good shape, but it's not high collector grade.  I'll work on getting a photo that will post.  Thanks

In 1898 the U.S. Ordnance Department increased the velocity of the .30-40 cartridge from 2,000 feet per second to 2,200 fps.

Along with the adoption of this 'hotter' cartridge came the new "Dickson"rear-sight, (the model 1898 sight), for U.S. Krag rifles and model 1899 carbines.

The Dickson rear-sight had three sighting 'notches' and was adjustable for windage. (The two outside 'notches' were to compensate for strong cross winds at distant ranges.

This sight was fitted to model 1898 rifles and model 1899 carbines in the approximate 218,000 to 253,000 serial number range.

The "Dickson" rear-sight was not particularly popular and the 2,200 fps ammo was blamed for the sudden appearance of cracked Bolt Locking-Lugs in U.S. Krags.

The "Dickson" sight and higher velocity ammo were eventually abandoned. There was a return to the previous 2,000 fps .30-40 cartridge.

The base of the 1898 sights was eventually sold off as scrap. Its curved ramp was designed for the high velocity ammo. The base was too low for 2,000 fps ammo.
(A similar looking sight and base would be adopted as the model 1902 sight. This base was taller and was machined for a simpler style of flat Spring for the Leaf).

The model 1898 sight Leaf and eye-piece were retained in stores at Springfield. Ultimately, the Leaf received serrations on the left-side and the three-notch eye-piece had its square corners 'rounded-off', which removed the out-side "V" notches.
These altered parts were used to build one of the variations of the model 1902 sight.

The actual "model 1898 sight" is relatively rare, was only put on a narrow range of 1898 rifle serial numbers, and it was intended they be taken-off and salvaged or scrapped.

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If you have a model 1902 rear-sight Base with an incomplete sight Leaf assembly, it is probably more economical to purchase a complete Leaf assembly from 'Granpa's Gunparts' and install it on your Base.

He is listed in KCA "classifieds" and is offering 15% off with the promotion code "corona".

Both his 1903 ($30-sale price) and 1902 ($45) leaf assemblies are found on original 1902 sights.

If you have a model 1898 base and spring, you can assemble an incorrect, but practical, shooting sight by putting a 1902 or 1903 'top' on the model 1898 base. It will look correct to all but the very knowledgeable.

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