Two weeks ago I was at the CMP South Store to pick a Krag and selected a salvage grade M1898, SN 418913.  In excellent shape for "salvage":  needed a front sight blade (S&S Firearms), a buttplate to replace the chromed one (taken from a cutdown  1896 donor rifle I had), strip the varnish, and clean.  I have no idea why this was X grade, marked "Headspace OK".  Came with a 1901 sight and hand guard.

Finished restoration in only 2 hours. I did go ahead a replace the M1901 sight with the 1902 from the donor rifle and repro hand guard. The 1901 hand guard was held together by the varnish and old age, when the varnish came off it literally crumbled in my hands.

So, interesting bits discovered in the cleaning: M1896 stock with flared bolt handle recess, and four air chambers, two lightening holes in butt, drilled for three cleaning rod sections, therefore not original to the late M1898 barrel & receiver; the M1901 rear sight and hand guard might have been original; stock has been sanded, no cartouche but still a "P"; and M1896 upper band (no slot cut). Bore & action was filled with grease, not crud. But the kind of grease you use on your '37 Chevy - fixed with many patches, picks, and Hoppes No 9.

Pictures have to follow in the next message, after I post once.

And here's the range report:  20 rounds off the sandbags 100yds. 210gr cast bullet over 26g of AA5744.  M1902 rear sight.

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

CMP salvage grade is $300.