I read a comment about the recent cutaway where the poster suggested dents came from stacking arms.  Have you done it?  I have, but not with a Krag.  In early Feb. 1960, I was in USN boot camp.  We had real 1903 (and a few 03A3) Springfields as drill rifles, not some sort of pretend drill rifles.  We marched about with our rifles and stacked arms when ever we went to a class.  If you were careful, they did not get too badly dented.  If the stack fell down, the Chief was unhappy, so we took care.  Not a difficult skill to master. 

FWIW, the real 1903 I was issued had SN 4003.  Yup, a real rod-bayonet .30-03 that had been given the 1906 conversion.  Would have worked too.  Bolt had a complete firing pin.  Barrel was not plugged.  I could see some rifling.  I knew it was a museum piece and treasured it. 

We "stacked arms" often, using replica 'Brown Bess' Muskets, during The Bicentennial of the American Revolution. Muskets required interlocking fixed socket bayonets & partially drawing rammers.

Technique is a bit different with rifles and 'stacking-swivels'. No harm is done if three arms are stacked carefully.

Once "tripod" is secure and stable, other arms can be leaned against the first three, maintaining an even & balanced load.

Cartridge belts, bayonets, and accoutrements can then be hung and draped evenly on stacked arms.

One day on a lark, (while my wife was out), I decorated our Living Room with stacked Krags.

It is easier to do when several careful hands are involved.

Calm, team work, communication, and steady hands are needed to un-ravel the stack.

photos: 1. & 2. - My handiwork. 3. A great-uncle's company of Mich. State Troops training outside of Calumet, Mich. in 1903. 4. U.S. Engineers in London 1917.

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I'm thinking that we should stack our Krags at Perry for the Roosevelt Match and get some pictures!  That could be fun...

"Crossed Arms" and "Stacked Arms"!

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