butlersrangers wrote on Aug 27
th, 2015 at 10:18pm:
'4284spd' - Welcome to the KCA forum. That is a pretty looking 'cut-down' Krag and I'm sure it will perform well for you!
With the absence of paperwork or a DCM sales receipt, there is no way of identifying a (so called) DCM/NRA carbine. With parts and a Lathe, any competent Machinist could make a 'look-alike'.
It appears to me, from your photos, that your Krag has been 'Blued'. It looks quite nice, but, as you probably know, this is not the original metal finish for most of the components.
Your Stock also may have been darkened with stain. The pretty 'Tiger Striping' usually shows up on the Italian walnut Stocks that appeared on some Krags from 1899-1901. (The Italian wood usually has a light yellow coloring).
It appears you have a nice 1899 carbine hand-guard with the protective 'hump'. Does your 1901 rear-sight have rifle (20=2,000 yds) or carbine (23=2,300 yds) markings?
Yes, I know that there may be no way of verifying whether or not it is an actual DCM carbine, but the work on the barrel and stock is not crudely done, so I don't think that it is a Bannerman. Due to the lack of wear, I also assumed that it had been re-finished at some point, but since I didn't pay anything like original, unrestored type money for it, I am OK with it.
The sight is a rifle sight. It only goes up to 2000 yards. But it is in beautiful condition, and the 1899 hand guard is in very nice shape. I will try to post a picture of them.
I believe that I read that the receivers were originally color case hardened. What were some of the other original finishes?
I'm just curious and information on these rifles is not easy to come by.
I wanted a presentable, good shooter that was more military than sporter in appearance. This rifle fits that description and I am more than happy with it.
Thanks for your response.
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