Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
Firearms >> U.S. Military Krags >> 1898 Krag - Ser 203929
http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1579041232

Message started by Nevinator on Jan 14th, 2020 at 10:33pm

Title: Re: 1898 Krag - Ser 203929
Post by Whig on Jan 15th, 2020 at 10:05am
Krag SN: 203929 was made in the middle of 1899 and is situated in the range of rifles so the rear site could be a M1896 rifle rear sight that is calibrated to 1800 yards. It could also be a M1898 rear sight from the Springfield Armory that is calibrated to 2000 yards with three notches in the eyepiece. These rear sights have been changed many times from the armory and by owners over the years. The sights are interchangeable on the barrel but the hand guard needs to be appropriate for the specific sight. The "Photos" section of the KCA website, as Fred mentioned above, has pictures of these parts shown.

Any changes to the rifle from original armory manufacture can significantly change the value. If the barrel has been cut or the stock has been altered or holes drilled in the receiver or the front sight base changed, the value can be negligible and only used as a shooter. Krags like this have no collector's value. A correct front sight base, dovetailed and brazed to the barrel, can have the blade replaced to make it correct.

A collector is also interested in the condition of the bore. Pretty much only a documented issued rifle, as noted in the Springfield Research Service manuals, can be a collectible if the bore is bad. Your Krag's serial number is not listed in these manuals.

That's why we need more info and pictures. The "c" marked rear sights are only seen officially on Krag carbines that have exactly 22" barrels.

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