I have a 1896 model Krag that my father gave to me years ago, ser #:239947. According to another website it looks like the receiver was manufactured in 1899, and it has the curved 1902-style rear sight. My rifle still has the original 30" barrel and leather sling, and shoots great--plan is to hold on to it and pass it down to my son. I'm wondering why some rifles have a forearm grip that extends nearly all the way out to the end of the barrel, and others (like mine) stop about half-way, right past the front sling attachment. Any ideas?

This is a great site by the way, just found it yesterday.

I have had a few cut-downs I have either restored or used for parts - most were probably performed using guesswork. One in particular was worthy of note - actually the first cut one I had purchased so my curiosity had me holding it to "get the feel". It was cut just ahead of the lower band and had a full-length 30" barrel (see picture) - it had amazing balance with a one-hand hold just before the lower band. I do not shoot from a standing position, but if I did, you can bet that one's lower back wouldn't fatigue as much while needing to hold aim (fully-stocked Krags really pull down). Anyway, the previous owner noted that that the Krag last shot an antelope at 200 yards. I'm not a hunter, but it sounds like that particular combination really worked.