I think we could use some more info. What periodical was this in? What year? Could you post any of the write-up. I wonder if the Editor got them directly from the arsenal. I am a bit skeptical at this point on the existence of Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) Krags. But I don't know everything.

Personally, I have an 1896 Krag sporter that originated at the Springfield Armory. The barrel was replaced with a 1903 barrel from RIA. The barrel is stamped "R.I.A. 01-09", which means it was made January, 1909. The barrel has an 1896 rear sight (possibly the original) over the rear sight dovetail. The front sight is for a 1903 Springfield. The barrel, as the 1903 does, has a 24" length. The stock was shortened just a few inches in front of the barrel band. I believe it was done by an independent smithy of sorts.

If there were Krags done at RIA it would be very interesting to learn about. Hope somebody comes up with something.