The very early M1892 Krag bolt handles were stamped with their serial number from number 31-400. (I haven't found one of these yet for my collection.)

The M1892 Krag bolts bodies through serial number 15,500 had an internal slot for the securing stud on the cocking piece. This was eliminated after 15,500. This is right around the time when, according to Poyer, that steel lot numbers were stamped on the bolt handle. This is what we found in examining bolts for Fred's study.

The early M1892 bolts had the wide guide rib running down the entire body. The guide rib was cut thinner to lighten the bolt after serial number 14,600.

Changes were made to the bolt handles for each of the different model number bolts. These differences are somewhat subtle but can be seen for quick ID of which bolt model you are seeing. The pictures below show these differences which can be used to quickly identify bolt models when evaluating Krags.

The gas vent hole on the early M1892 bolts were cut 0.590 inches from the bolt face. Starting serial number 36,000, the vent hole was moved to 0.825 inches behind the bolt face.

The safety lock pin was present in early Krag bolts. This pin was eliminated around serial number 24,000 which is right around the start of the M1896 bolt. This pin was replaced with an internal spring and plunger.

The bottom of the lug was squared off in M1892 Krag cocking pieces. Starting around the beginning of the M1896 bolt production, serial number 30,000, the lug was beveled.

There were many other changes but these are a few that I noted in the pictures below and on the next post.

Again, this was done as an educational exercise. If there are any mistakes or additions, please let me know. These pictures can be of great help in comparing bolts for different model Krags.

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