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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