Above all... educate yourself, either by reading from the experts (i.e. Brophy, Mallory, Poyer, etc.), or by talking with the experts here at KCA.  I've been a member here for many years... and even though I've owned Krags for more than 35 years, I knew next to nothing when I joined.  (LOL I was certain that my cutoff sporter 1898 with the 24 inch barrel HAD to be a real carbine...  Boy was I wrong!)

Now I'm certainly no expert... but I know a thing or two now.
Still, I will always seek out advice from guys like Butlersrangers, Parashooter, and Dick Hosmer (three of the most knowledgeable Krag experts... and generally wonderful people I've met here).  I've made a plethora of good friends on this forum.  One could absolutely do a lot worse than the KCA!!!

By the way... Krag sporters have a place in this world too... and can be great to hunt, or even just plink with!