Probably the most common question on here I'm sure...but I hope I can get some help.  (I got a lot last time I asked some questions and it was much appreciated.

My son was given this 1986 Krag the other day and I'm trying to help him ID it....and figure out what's original and what's been added/subtracted/changed/bubba'ed.

Left receiver has Model 1896 and serial number 84109.  (For me that put manufacture in either 1897 or 1898, depending on who's numbers are used.)

No markings on the stock, but oiler and 3-piece cleaning rod found in butt.

Front sight has band and dovetail, not sure about the rear sight, although the "original" may be around according to the fellow my son got the gun from.

Going to try to post pictures.....they are worth 1,000 words.

'psteinmayer' pretty much covered it. If the bore is good, your son's model 1896 Krag should be a fun shooter. It got made into a useful 'Hunting Rifle', long ago.

It appears to be missing the Magazine Cut-Off Lever. This is an easy part to find and should cost $15-20. With a model 1896, any of the Krag cut-off levers will work, but, the middle one (in my picture), is the correct one.

(p.s. - FWIW - I think your son's Krag may have a model 1892 side-plate and that the screw is not seated all the way. The earlier side-plates seem to work fine on the model 1896 and may eliminate feed problems).

Redcoat3340: Don't be too hasty! The metal and wood finish do not look too bad on your son's 'cut-down' Krag.

U.S. Krags were not 'Blued' to a homogeneous color. The barrels were 'browned', which left a rust-blue finish. Bolt bodies were in the 'white'. The receiver had 'case-hardened' colors. Some small parts were 'blackened'. The long extractor spring was 'flame-blue'.

Most Krag fanciers do not like modern 'blue-black' or alternative metal finishes or sanded True-Oiled Stocks. Such measures destroy all patina and originality (and usefulness of parts for restoration).

IMHO - You may want to just rub the wood with some coats of 50/50 Linseed Oil and Turpentine. Maybe 'Cold-Blue' that shiny 1903 Springfield front-sight and that shiny rear-sight screw.

I advise against having the receiver drilled & tapped for a Lyman peep sight. Old 'No-Drill' Pacific and Redfield sights show up on ebay all the time. (To D&T a receiver is expensive and ruins the receiver for possible restoration).

From my experience, the measures you mentioned would all detract from and lessen the value of your son's Krag. Old War Horses should not look too new and glossy!