Here is my first krag rifle. I traded for it. I think it is a stock military version. I have a question about the cleaning rod in the buttstock. It seems too short. How was it used?  So far I really like it and will trade for the other krag he has.
         Thanks. KC

---

Howdy King Carp.  Welcome to the forum, and to the wonderful world of Krags!  Be careful... they are highly addictive!

From what I can see, it looks like a nice Krag rifle.  Some closer pictures of the front sight, rear sight and receiver will bring some good feedback.

Now, the cleaning rod - usually, two or more soldiers would combine their rods to make a rod of sufficient length.  Did you find the oiler in the butt trap too?  A few cleaning patches after the rods and oiler are in place will keep them from rattling around when the trap is closed. 

Hello: I am having trouble loading up the photos. I will talk to a friend of mine who should be able to figure it out. 
     Thanks, KC
.

That makes perfect sense about the cleaning rod
. Thanks, I will put a couple cleaning patches in there too.

Looks like a great Krag. Not certain about that front sight but when you can post some pictures, we'll see it better.

Looks like you have a great sling for the Krag also. Can you tell how the bore looks?

It'll be extra nice to get that second Krag also. Can't wait to see that one to see what your starter collection will look like.

Welcome to Krag-Land!

Sorry I don't know what I just did. I am an dumb head  who should not have a smart phone.

It looks like the brass sight protector over the front sight. Is that what I see, King Carp?

It appears you have a nice looking Krag. Is there a hooded front sight protector on it?

It appears you have an original Krag sling. Those are becoming quite valuable.
FWIW - The sling is on backwards. The 'claw' should be near the barrel-band swivel. The 'button-end' should be attached to the butt-swivel.

Yes. The photo I did get to post has a brass sight protector. The bore is clean with no rust or pits. When I can I will slug it to get the size. Thanks for your patience. I am new to a lot of the current technology.

---

Another pic.

---

Stock marking

---

Thanks, I will try to fix the sling without ruining it. It looks like the date on the stock is 1898. I am not sure of the script letters. Thanks again for the help.

Thanks, I will try to fix the sling without ruining it. It looks like the date on the stock is 1898. I am not sure of the script letters. Thanks again for the help.

---

Just a friendly note- you don't have to hide the serial number of your firearm unless you think that it may be stolen or illegal. We often look at the exact serial numbers of firearms to figure out their exact history and provenance, if it is recorded. It also helps to determine date of manufacture which can be helpful in answering  questions like if it is an antique rifle that doesn't need registration through an FFL.

So, just an observation. Great rifle and enjoy it!

I had suspected that there was a sight protector on in the first photo.

Whig is correct about the serial number.  You are among friends here!  If it is listed in the SRS data, the full number is required to determine where it was issued after manufacture. 

A word of advice regarding the sling:  If you intend to shoot it and use the sling for support, as in shooting from position, you might consider removing the sling and installing a newly manufactured 1907 sling from Turner or one of the other reproduction sling companies.  As Butlersrangers said, that original sling can be valuable.  No sense risking damage!

As for shooting it, if you plan on shooting cast bullets, then by all means, slug the bore.  However, if you intend on shooting factory ammo or reload with jacketed bullets, then go ahead and bang away!  Standard .308 bullets will be fine even if your bore is slightly oversize (a normal occurrence with Krags).

Hello: Thanks for the info on the sling. I do plan on shooting my new find. I will purchase a repo sling. The original has some small cracks on it. What should I put on it during storage? Also the full serial no. Is 143581. Do you know where I could check it out?
                Thanks everyone, KC

Preserving the original leather sling is a great idea because the old dry leather will continue to crack and get damaged if you neglect it. Using a repro sling is great on a Krag but having an original sling on a collectible piece is even better.

There are many kinds of leather treatment waxes and balms available. My favorite (certainly not the only one) that I have used for years on leather boots, shoes, holsters, belts and slings is "Sno-Seal". It has beeswax and  other preservatives in it that soak into dry leather well and recondition it to look great. Nothing will heal a deep crack but something like this treatment will fill smaller ones and provide a moisture and lubricant that will keep it from further damage.

Look around and find what might work for you. The leather looks so nice when you recondition it. Use it liberally and let it soak in a few days before wiping the excess off. It works really well.

If you intend on shooting in CMP Vintage or Roosevelt Matches, Turner Slings are the way to go!  I have a few of them and they are great, and manufactured on the actually equipment from Rock Island that the originals were made on.  Absolutely preserve that original sling though.  Then, you can put the original on for display purposes and the repro for matches.

Someone else will need to check SRS on your serial number.  If you get a hit... count yourself lucky!

If you're interested in Camp Perry and need the info, let me know.  The Roosevelt Match is for Krags and early 1903s only, and it's a blast!  Also, I host a dinner the night before for Krag shooters.

While we wait for one of our members to check the serial number, it is nice to see that your 1898 was actually made in the last few months of 1898 and is therefore an true antique for legal minds.
It matches, too, the cartouche date and makes the 1896 rear sight and handguard also correct for the date of manufacture.  Overall, it looks like you got a good piece for your efforts.

Thanks everyone for your info. I look forward to shooting my "new" krag. I don't think I am ready for any official matches yet. Maybe someday.
         Thanks again

'King carp' - Your original Krag Sling was mainly a 'carry-strap' and not really a shooting aid.

The later 1907 Sling 'psteinmayer' suggests was designed to be an aid in the prone and sitting positions.

It would be interesting to see a close-up picture of your front sight protector. It may be an O'Hare or other 'custom' protector/muzzle cover that was favored by target shooters. These devices are rare and expensive.

BTW - The letters in your 1898-dated stock 'cartouche' are J.S.A., for Joseph Sumner Adams, Asst. Foreman - Assembly Room, Springfield Armory.

Thanks. I am learning a lot about my krag thanks to all of your collective knowledge. I appreciate everyone's input.here is a pic of the sight protector that came with the rifle.

---

Here is a pic. Of the serial no. It would be great if there is any info out there on this particular rifle. The bore checked out at .307 and .300. My old 180 gr. Ohaus mold should work out for reloads I hope! It is a loverin style that works well in my 1903A3.
       Thanks again, KC

---

'King carp' - Your brass muzzle-cover/front-sight protector is the Standard Issue one for the U.S. Krag rifle. It was adopted and manufactured at Springfield Armory in the early 1900's. This device sells normally for around $65.

Your first posted photo was a bit fuzzy and fooled me. It looked like one of the private commercial covers used by some competitive shooters back in the early 1900's.

Your Sling, Butt-Trap - Sectioned Cleaning Rod, and muzzle-cover, are nice accessories, that easily add $250 to the value of your Krag.

FWIW - If you need an original Krag Oiler (for the butt-trap), Grandpa's Gun Parts has them for $20.

Your brass sight protector is the "common" rifle muzzle cap that is highly desirable and, when you can actually find one, sells for around $70 or more. I have worked hard to find and buy a few of these over the years for my Krags. Yours has a beautiful patina which authenticates it as original. There are reproduction muzzle caps being sold which are bright yellow and look horrible but, if you can't find or afford an original one, are nice enough. They sell for around $40.

This is a copy of a picture from this KCA photos page that shows the variety of muzzle covers used for different Krags:

---

Also, your serial number is below the official BATFE cut off for "antique" Krag rifles that were made before Jan. 1, 1899. Any Krag rifle with the serial number 152671 and higher was made in or after 1899 which, by their rules, is considered non-antique and requires purchase by or transfer through an FFL or C&R license. Yours can be sold and sent through the mail without needing a license or registration. There are laws, though, in different states that may require certain conditions for shipping any firearm, even an antique, so always ask someone who is knowledgable.

That's why the exact serial number is needed. Thanks!

Hello: thanks again for all the info. Its interesting about the one rifle being an antique and another modern because of its serial number. I have been trying to acquire this piece for quite some time and do not intend to sell it any time soon. It's funny this is the oldest U.S.
Military weapon I own and it was the previous owners most modern. I had to come up with some civil war items to get it. That took a lot of hunting around but I think it was worth it.

I don't have access to the SRS information to perhaps offer more details, but your serial number 143581 is listed in Mallory's as being issued to Co. G , 2nd USV Engr.  There are quite a few others listed to several other Companies in that Regiment.  Many can be found in the 143,000 range, but there are many others in the range between 142000 and at least 146000.  I found only 2 numbers (145168 and 145169) that were consecutive numbers.  There may be others, but having so many issued to more than one Company, would seem to indicate an early issue on a unit basis rather than simply replacements. I expect that we will find more information about this unit's history.  It's always fun to see some history unfold about pieces we own, so stay tuned boys and girls.

Thank you for your detective work! The layers of history are being peeled back.

Hi King Carp,

Here's a website that has lots of information about the Spanish America War (SAW) to include info about the unit that your Krag was issued to:

  (You need to Login

BTW: do you fish for King Carp???

Hello: thanks! Yes I take my dad who is 97 carping when the weather is nice.  Its catch and release or catch and fertilize! We go for pan fish but put out a rod for carp for the great fight they put up.

---

olderthansome wrote on Apr 4^th, 2019 at 4:36am:

I don't have access to the SRS information to perhaps offer more details, but your serial number 143581 is listed in Mallory's as being issued to Co. G , 2nd USV Engr.  There are quite a few others listed to several other Companies in that Regiment.  Many can be found in the 143,000 range, but there are but there are many others in the ranges between 142000 and at least the 146000.  I found only 2 numbers (145168 and 145169) that had consecutive numbers.  There may be others, but having so many issued to more than one Company, would seem to indicate an early issue on a unit basis rather than simply replacements. I expect that we will find more information about this unit's history.  It's always fun to see some history unfold about pieces we own, so stay tuned boys and girls.

Bingo!  Any time you get a hit with info about a Krag, it's like hitting a jackpot!  Well done!

By the way...  I know you said you're not ready to shoot in competition yet (although all it takes is a desire to shoot), but if you decided to join us at Camp Perry in the future, just let me know, and I'll walk you through what you need to know to get started.  Shooting a Krag in the Roosevelt Match is very satisfying... even if you're not that good (like me).  There is a group of us from the forum that shoot in the Roosevelt together, and I host a dinner the night before too.  I'm not sure where you live, but if you're withing driving distance of northern Ohio, you're good.

This goes for everyone here on the forum too!!!  All are welcome with me...

Father still catching the big ones!!!

Nice fish and sounds like fun King Carp!

Used to catch bunches of carp down Texas way... Beautiful fish which produced wonderful filets...and that's about where the goodness ended.

Fellow used to take the carp off our hands...he said they made good cat fish patties...I believe he owned a local eating establishment. :D

Paul I just might accept the invite and treat myself to a 60th birthday present next year and head to Camp Perry!

Cheers

Thanks for the invite to camp Perry. It sounds like a great time.  I take care of dad and have to stay close to home. Maybe someday I will be able to make the trip. In the meen time I better find out how the krag shoots before I too excited.
      Thanks again everyone

You mind if I add your rifle to the KCA serial number database?