I have the opportunity to buy s/n 75478. Everything looks correct, but it’s just outside the serial range according to the Poyer book. Thanks.

Cannonsight - I checked my notes and I believe Frank Mallory, (Krag Rifle Story, 2nd edition, appendix tables), showed identified model 1896 carbines that fell between numbers 24709 - 35792 and numbers 67010 - 79764.

There are mistakes in the Poyer book. It looks like you may have a legitimate carbine number.

Thanks. I’ve heard that the book can’t be taken as the gospel. I checked online and got various information.

Bower's is terrible. If you are patient, the best information will likely surface here.

If it has the 30" stock (with bar/ring) and proper 96C rear sight it is probably OK. Of course the front sight and muzzle crown have to be right, too.

If it is in a 32" stock, and has some other model of rear sight, I'd look at it more closely.

What is the asking price? Of course, if the front is bad, walk away no matter what the price.

It does have the correct 96c stock. The rear sight is also correct, but the front sight blade isn’t visible. I believe they’re marked below the base, correct? It’s at an auction house that I sometimes work for. It was sold but never paid for. I’m told the owner wants around $1500, but that’s not set in stone as yet. I will probably bring it home so I can inspect it closer. If I do, I’ll post pictures.

I went ahead and got the carbine. All the major components look correct. I’d still appreciate the SRS check if someone could do it. The hand guard is cracked but stable. The stock has some filled holes where it once had sling swivels. I can live with those flaws.

I'm back 'North of Canada' and able to check my copy of Mallory's "Krag Rifle Story", 2nd edition, appendix tables.

No "SRS Hit" on #75478. It is sandwiched between #75439 (a model 1896 carbine issued in 1899 to Troop 'A' 1st Nevada Vol. Cav.) and #75618 (a model 1896 carbine sold 07/15/1922 from Raritan Arsenal).

There are lots of carbines on both sides of your number. Only a very small percentage of Krag serial numbers are actually documented in SRS Data.

Congratulations on your purchase. Pictures Please!

p.s. The model 1896 carbine front-sight blade is short and the "C" is not visible when the blade is installed in the base.

Thanks for checking for me! I’ve always hoped for a hit, but it hasn’t happened yet. My phone pictures were too large to post so I’m posting a link:
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Nice legitimate model 1896 carbine! (I took the liberty of reposting your pictures).

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No problem, and thanks.