What is involved in modifying an 1898 stock to fit on an 1896? It appears that the major difference is in the bolt handle area. Is this alteration even possible? Were the later stocks arsenal modified to fit the earlier rifles back in the day?

It seems the later stocks are easier to find.

Thanks for any tips!

Lewis

'Lewis' - A model 1898 stock can be fitted to a model 1896 action.

This should not be done if you are "messing up" an original and serviceable 1898 stock. Lord knows, they are also hard to get and in demand!

Last year, I needed a stock for a cut-down model 1896 Krag. I had a solid model 1898 stock, that 'Bubba' had cut too short to 'stretch and restore.

I fitted the model 1896 barreled-action to this stock and ended up with a fine shooter.

Attached: A couple of shots of a model 1896 stock, showing the bolt-handle recess area. A few shots of the fitting process.

---

With a small one-hand saw (like model Railroad builders use to cut track), inletting chisels, and files, I replicated the bolt-handle recess area of the model 1896 stock.

p.s. It was fun, but, I would not go this route to restore a "proper" model 1896 rifle.

---

Nice work! Great to see such careful, slow work where accuracy counts. Hard to put the wood back on once you take it off.

Great resurrection of a damaged Krag!

Thanks for the reply and photos - answers my question completely! I enjoy a challenge and doing the work.

I judged original Corvettes at a national level for many years and understand the importance of not messing with originality.

Do it right, do it with class...

Thanks,

Lewis

Thanks guys!

p.s. It's a decent & fun shooter.

---

Looks like a damn good shooter to me.  250 yds!
Vic

Okay, I'm confused (my normal state of consciousness) was the target placed at 50 yards and the sight set for 250 yards??? :-?

'Local Boy' has it correct. The target is a 'scaled-down' Bulls-Eye shot at 50 yards.

The rear-sight was set at 250 yards to correct for the 1903 front-sight (being too tall) and the point of aim (being lower than where I wished the bullets to strike).

A little less sight elevation (and a slight windage correction) would have put all the shots in the 10 ring.

This is hardly the optimum accuracy load for this (or any) Krag. It was just convenient for me and shows things are in the 'ball park'.

p.s. I am 'far-sighted'. I was wearing 1X 'reading' glasses, while shooting. This sharpens the sights, but, blurs the target. Black area of target is 4 & 7/16" diameter.

Okay, I missed it!  50 Yds!
Best of the New Year!
Vic