I've run across an interesting krag rifle with R.D.R mark behind the trigger guard and no other marks or cartouche. Is this a legitimate field repair stock or otherwise? Thanks for any insight you all can provide. Sorry no picture.
Kerry

IIRC, R. D. Roper was a foreman in the stocking shop - the mark (which is fairly common and occurs with and without the "P") should be genuine, and most likely IS on a legitimate replacement stock.

Thank you for the information. I had done some quick searches on line and in Poyer's book, but hadn't found any references. So this is good. I mostly lurk on this forum but really enjoy all the discussions on Kragology. I have three rifles plus an ongoing scout rifle project.

I have a similar model 1898 Krag rifle. The stock has no 'cartouche' and no "circled P". It does have very nice wood, marked with the small R.D.R., behind the trigger-guard.

This Krag is in very good shape and has a model 1901 rear-sight.

I have always assumed the stock was a likely 'field replacement'. The stock and hand-guard wood are a great match.

Thanks Dick for possible I.D. of Foreman R.D. Roper.

I ended up getting the subject Krag rifle so here are some pictures. Nicely mottled and the muzzle area is pretty corroded, but otherwise OK. #55802 I believe. Bore is not bad for these, my visual ranking is its the best of my four Krags rifles. (did I say four? how did that happen?) So take a look.
Kerry

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Looks like really nice wood!

Yes it is a nice stock, except it has a split in the heel of the butt stock from the back of the rear sling swivel to the butt plate up into the bottom butt plate screw hole. I just didn't show it. It has a 1901 rear sight also and the magazine is on with the switch up. Depot mods I would think.

That sounds like an easy stock crack to repair or strengthen, invisibly.

It appears many model 1896 Krags received updates like new 'reversed' magazine cut-off lever and model 1901 or 1902 rear-sights, in the early 1900's.

Do you know if your Bolt is an 1896 or 1898 one?

I took a quick look and compared to one of my 1898 bolts and it seems to have the same characteristics as the 1898 bolt.

The model 1896 bolt has a shorter 'flat area' on the bottom of the bolt-handle. (1896 is top bolt in photo).

It seems a lot of updated model 1896 rifles may have been given a model 1898 bolt.

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Thanks for the clarifying pictures. I'd say I definitely have a '98 bolt on this '96. Its mottled finish is generally consistent with the rest of the rifle so probably been there awhile. For yucks, here are a few pictures of it.

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one more picture.

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