I am new here and have spent a while reading old posts and soaking up some info where I can.  I've wanted an original (un-bubba'd) Krag rifle for some years now and had to pass on some that were either out of my range or quite rough.  I shoot light loads with cast bullets in most all of my other surplus rifles and wanted something that was at least shootable.

My recently acquired Krag is an 1892...an early one at that.  Serial number is 406 with a date (as expected) of 1894.  I don't know for sure just when they started production but my hunch is this was made in the first few months with only 2954 or so made the first year.  I know that can be for better or worse as I have read there were issues with parts fit from older guns to newer.  I need a few items for it so I may create another thread to address that...especially since like most it was converted to 1896 configuration.  I don't know for example just whether I should have the original 1892 magazine cutoff lever or not. Has a Pacific peep sight now

It's got the newer extractor with pin and the notch in the receiver.  It  has a firing pin rod/cocking piece that is clearly not right.  Previous owner replaced the one that was there (he said it was cut off) and I think what I have is perhaps a Norwegian Krag piece based on the knurling.  In any case, the firing pin striker will not make contact (with a primer)at this point.  Has a trapdoor buttplate with what appears to be hand cut crosshatching...goes right through one screw.

Old rod slot is filled and oddly the stock is maybe 1.5" short at front as evidenced by the band marks on the barrel.  Seems an odd amount to remove unless it was part of the cleaning rod removal or something.  Anyway, feel free to tell me what I have.

Looks like I cannot post links to photos until after one "real" post so I will add those to thread shortly.
Paul

'pcarpenter': Welcome to the KCA Forum. That is an interesting Updated model 1892 Krag you have acquired.

Your first step is Free. Turn your rear barrel-band around so that the "U" is on the right side.

I think you are correct about the Striker-Rod, it appears to be from a Norwegian Krag.

I recommend you stay with what it is, an early Krag that was updated to model 1896 features. The parts you need: Striker-Rod, and likely a firing pin, 1896 cut-off lever, front-sight blade & pin, and a replacement butt-plate, are not hard to find.

The biggest challenge, requiring skill, will be restoration of the forearm tip, but that can wait. Take your time, research, and enjoy the project. First get your Krag firing and install a proper front sight.

Maybe someone can tell me how to (or not to) communicate with Mr. DeChristopher.  I left a message this afternoon and he called back.  I started off telling him how I currently had what appeared to be a Norwegian Krag cocking piece in my 1892 that went through the rework to 1896 standards. I mentioned that the previous owner told me that the cocking piece/rod that was in the gun (before he messed it up by replacing it) was "cut off" and he had to use (cringe) Vise Grips on it.  This apparently prompted the previous owner to buy an incorrect part to replace that one.  I am thinking it was probably one of the straight, carbine cocking piece/rod assemblies--probably still wrong for this gun, but it at least functioned. 

In any case, I was promptly told that I don't know what I want and he didn't want to sell me any parts because then I would call back, having gotten the wrong item and it would not be worth it.  Nice.   Is Joe normally this cantankerous? Unless I am missing something, I want one of the standard 1896 *rifle* cocking piece/firing pin rod assemblies with the standard knurled, bugle shaped knob.

I can find parts from other sources, but got the impression that Joe was a good guy to deal with on this sort of thing.  I need one of the 1896 magazine cut off levers and a stacking swivel as well and his web site seems to suggest that he has both.  Would have preferred to order it all from him.  If I am wrong on the parts I need, let me know.  Maybe if I called him and told him that some knowledgeable folks here called out just what I needed, he would be willing to sell me the parts??

Paul

Joe's getting up there, and can be a little crotchety. He has always been a very private individual - retired cop - who used - 40+ years ago - to deal by word of mouth only. You didn't just call him up unless you had a personal reference, so, actually he has made some progress!    But, the last thing he probably wanted to hear was a long explanation of what you (as a comparative novice) thought was wrong (even though you may well be perfectly correct!).

You might consider sending him your bolt and asking him to make it right - letting him (who happens to be the reigning Mr. Krag) make the choices. If you are sure on the cut-off, ask for it by name.

If that doesn't work out, go to (You need to Login to view media files and links) and contact one of the parts suppliers listed there.

'pcarpenter': I think 'Parashooter' covered what probably happened in your contact with 'JoeDe'.

Thanks for posting pics of your bolt parts. Your bolt body is an 1896 bolt. It looks like your mainspring is 33.5 coils (used on 1896 and early 1898 rifles), and your Firing pin is U.S.

All you need is a U.S. Striker-Rod and 1896 Cut-Off Lever.

I have posted a picture of some U.S. parts to compare with yours. (You can see how the firing pin tip should reach almost even with the extractor claw). Yours is about 1/4" short.

A second picture shows parts I will send you to get you going. (The cut-off is a late 1896). Send me a PM with your address. If you don't need that Pacific sight base, I could use it.

Thanks.  That confirms what i needed to know.  Nothing but the set screw into the detent pocket is supposed to retain it.  Will see if I can just soak the shaft loose as you mentioned.  Thank you for all your help and your time!
Paul

Unfortunately (and sadly), Joe passed away a few weeks ago.  Initial reports are that his family are going to continue the business and site... although the site may have been shut down temporarily out of respect for Joe. 

You could check Numrich, which usually has Krag parts.  Also, keep an eye on Ebay as parts usually show up there too, although you'll probably pay more for them.  Hopefully, Joe's business will continue and be back on line soon...