Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive

Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
Firearms >> U.S. Military Krags >> Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896 http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1570161275 Message started by Lead_Snowstorm on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 3:54am

Title: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Lead_Snowstorm on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 3:54am

I was warned, and indeed my second Krag arrived today, this time shipped straight to my doorstep as an antique. Yep, it was another Gunbroker...find? Impulse buy? Burn?   (You need to Login

Well, you be the judge! Image dump below:

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Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Lead_Snowstorm on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 4:07am

What I think I know:

1896 rear sight.

1896 stock; no cartouche on the wrist; looks like an old arsenal overhaul with a re-stamped proof.

1896 bolt, I'm pretty sure, when compared to my 1898.

Bore doesn't seem badly pitted, but it swallowed my gauge to 4+; rifling looks pretty worn.

Missing stacking swivel.

Haven't found any marking on the sling.

I have to say, I think I'm finding myself an odd collector's niche - I have a soft spot in my heart for these old been there, done that arsenal rebuilds that are "original from their service" but by no means actually original, pristine examples as far as the purists are concerned. Plenty of better, collector-grade examples are out there I'm sure, but...I'm looking for the ones like these that I hear whispering to me, "bring me on home, you know you want to."

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by butlersrangers on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 4:21am

Nice old Battle Rifle, use and enjoy!

I like it.

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by h8pvmnt on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 4:25am

Looks good. I'm up to three now. My original grandfather gun that i de sporterized, my 1899 carbine with less than original barrel and a pristine nearly unused 1898 rifle. Keep em alive is my motto. Everyone isn't a pristine collector gun or teddy Roosevelt gun. Good find.

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Culpeper on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 4:33am

That is a dangerous rifle. Very unsafe. Here. Let me save you from a life of regret for buying it. Here's a shiny new five cent piece. Just send the rifle to my address at...

Ya did good. Clean it as best as you can and get out there and shoot it.

Now will the congregation rise and turn to page 1896 in your hymnals and sing with me.

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Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Yusuke Komiya on Oct 5^th, 2019 at 8:43am

Lead Snowstorm wrote on Oct 4^th, 2019 at 4:07am:

What's the difference between an 1896 and 1898 bolt? I'm looking to buy my first Krag. In particular, I'm looking for an 1896 that's as close to original as possible.

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Lead Snowstorm on Oct 5^th, 2019 at 12:58pm

The flat surface of the underside of the bolt handle extends farther on the 1898 bolt than the 1896, as I understand. Reference: (You need to Login

I’m posting from my phone, so bear with me if this photo is monstrous size. 1896 on the bottom, 1898 on top:

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Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by bayoned on Oct 9^th, 2019 at 3:22am

For the money, I think you did fine for an M1896 Krag.
I like it !

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Whig on Oct 9^th, 2019 at 11:01am

Congrats on your slowly expanding Krag collection. I love these M1896 Krag rifles that aren't sporterized and have honest use and wear. Yours is in really great shape. I think the price was on your side of good.

The bore condition could be better but you may find it shoots quite well. Let us know what you find out when you get blasting with it.

The slings are rarely marked but that adds a great additional value to your Krag.

Keep 'em coming!

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by leadhead on Oct 13^th, 2019 at 12:29am

It would probably do really well with a .310 or.312 cast bullet.
A lot of Krags were bored a lot bigger than .308
Mine shoot great with bullets sized .310
Denny

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by madsenshooter on Oct 13^th, 2019 at 12:39pm

Oversized bores aren't as big a problem now that NOE Bullet Molds makes oversized molds. I'm assuming you're a bullet caster.

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by leadhead on Oct 13^th, 2019 at 1:30pm

Been mak'in my own for almost 50 years. I shot IHMSA for 22 yrs. Shot some great scores with cast...
Denny

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Lead Snowstorm on Oct 15^th, 2019 at 2:31am

madsenshooter wrote on Oct 13^th, 2019 at 12:39pm:

I'm assuming you're a bullet caster.

This one may be the one that gets me into it...I think I'm gonna need an entire workroom...and another safe...and a bigger house...

Title: Re: Y'all were right...these things do multiply - 1896
Post by Culpeper on Oct 15^th, 2019 at 8:34am

Get rid of the wife and kids and you'll have plenty of room! :D