Mark - U.S. Krag butt-plates were made smooth.

It sounds like someone has either 'checkered' the original plate or shortened the butt-stock a bit, and fitted, a 1903 Springfield rifle ('checkered' variant) butt-plate to your stock. (A clear, 'close-up' picture would explain a lot).

Interesting paper in the butt-trap - It appears to be a 'trajectory chart' (to aid adjusting sights) for 180 grain S.P. (soft-point bullet) .30-40 'Krag' hunting ammo, for various distances.

At 50 yards, bullet strikes 3/4 inch above point of aim. At 100 yards, bullet strikes point of aim. At 200 yards, bullet strikes 5.5 inches low. At 300 yards, bullet strikes 22.5 inches low. (400 & 500 yard data doesn't make sense, unless, it is 55" and 188")?

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