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 10 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not? (Read 4844 times)
Corey
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1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
May 14th, 2012 at 7:25pm
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Hi all, new to the site. I received an 1899 from my uncle and hope to determine if it's original or sporterized. I'll post pics when I get home. For now I'm looking for any barrel length and stock dimensions anyone can offer. My brother took it to a gun show and a 'collector' offered him $1800 for it on the spot, but that may mean nothing. Otherwise it is in excellent working condition and I fire it a couple times of year followed by a thorough cleaning. Any info is welcome, pics to follow...
  
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98src
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #1 - May 14th, 2012 at 9:31pm
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If it is marked Model 1899 on the receiver, it is ( was ) a carbine. If you post pictures here, the experts can tell you how close to "original" it is.
  
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Corey
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #2 - May 15th, 2012 at 12:45am
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Here come the pics...
Barrel length is 22" from tip to breach.
In the pictures the bolt looks like it has some rust, but I think it was due to the flash. The bolt and receiver are very clean and smooth. the butt and stock have a lot of knicks but nothing too major.
Thoughts?
  
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Corey
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #3 - May 15th, 2012 at 12:46am
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rear sight
  
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Corey
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #4 - May 15th, 2012 at 12:47am
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front sight
  
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Corey
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #5 - May 15th, 2012 at 12:47am
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Receiver
  
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Corey
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #6 - May 15th, 2012 at 12:47am
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Breach
  
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butlersrangers
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #7 - May 15th, 2012 at 1:37am
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Corey:  You have a Model 1899 Krag Cavalry Carbine that has been slightly "sporterized".  It was probably produced in September 1901.  You have the 1898 Carbine rear sight on it which is relatively rare.  I believe this sight is not correct for the serial number range of your carbine.  Your stock is a Carbine stock but has been heavily sanded judging by the faintness of the for-end finger grooves.  The sling swivels appear to be commercial 'screw-ins'.  (I would remove them, plug the hole in the butt stock, and get an original unaltered carbine barrel-band to replace the present one that seems to have a hole drilled in it to accommodate the front swivel).  The 1899 Carbine did not have swivels.  Your front sight blade is a commercial one.  A replica Carbine blade is available from S&S Firearms in Glendale N.Y.  You have a lot of original Krag Carbine and it is worth restoring.  The 1899 is the most common of the U.S. Krag Carbines and not as valuable as the 1896 and 1898.  As is, I would estimate the value of your Carbine to be around $800 to $900.  Go to the main page of the KCA Website and 'click' on photos to see more info. and pictures of Krag models and carbines.
  
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butlersrangers
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #8 - May 15th, 2012 at 1:49am
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Corey:  I don't know how but someone has put the Hinge-Pin for your 'Magazine Door' in backwards.  That little 'stud' on the hinge-pin should be at the front and there is a flat spring flap attached to it to cover the follower/carrier pivot.  You may need to get a replacement hinge-pin (They often show up on eBay).  I'm attaching a photo that shows the hinge-pin and the attached 'cover' in raised position.
  
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butlersrangers
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #9 - May 15th, 2012 at 1:56am
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Old American Rifleman schematic by Hoffschmidt.
  
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Corey
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Re: 1899 Sprinfield; sporterized or not?
Reply #10 - May 15th, 2012 at 2:56am
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Thank you both for your insight! I think I will proceed with a restoration in time. I do love firing this classic and it always gets some comments and fanfare by others at the range.
  
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