'Keith' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

That's a nice model 1896 Krag that your father has passed on to you.

It does not appear in the Springfield Research Services (SRS) records listed in my copy of Mallory's, "The Krag Rifle Story", (but, most Krag serial numbers are not).

Your Krag was assembled around February, 1898, near the time the U.S.S. Maine was sunk.

A good bore is a real plus on a Krag! Check your Stock on the left side near the wrist for an 'Acceptance Cartouche'. This is a lightly stamped 'box' with rounded corners and the script initials "JSA" (James Sumner Adams) and a year (probably 1898). This stamp was put on a Krag when inspected and accepted for service. There should also be a 'circled script P' on the stock, behind the trigger-guard. This signifies the rifle was proofed and function tested. (If these stamps are absent, it is generally accepted that the stock was replaced).

A rear barrel-band & swivel is easily found for around $25 on eBay. Your rifle has a 1903 Springfield front-band, which is incorrect. A Krag front barrel-band & stacking-swivel costs about $65. You need a hand-guard for the model 1896 sight. Originals sell for about $100. Reproductions are made, but, not so good.

I would suggest you contact one of the gentlemen listed in this forum's 'classifieds' and see if they can sell you the correct parts and in a condition consistent with your rifle's.

Be careful in cleaning your Krag. Educate yourself on proper disassembly. Just clean the wood with a mix of turpentine & linseed oil applied with cotton rags. Finish up with hand rubbed applications of linseed oil or Tung oil.

Metal parts can be cleaned with kerosene on rags or Hoppe's #9 solvent. Do not remove patina and finish. Light surface rust can be smoothed with solvent and the edge of a copper penny or #0000 steel wool pad soaked with Hoppe's. Krags were not finished like more modern arms. Educate yourself, go slow, and do no Harm!

Butlersrangers THANKS!  I am overwhelmed with the willingness of members here to share your rich store of knowledge!  I appreciate both the information and the advice regarding methods to restore and stabilize my rifle.  I look forward to enjoying this rifle for many years.  Attached is an image of the stock just behind the trigger guard. I found no markings on the side of the stock in the wrist region.

Keith - If there is no 'acceptance cartouche' on your Stock, it is likely it was replaced during an 'overhaul' (pretty common event). Since your Stock has the 'circled script P', it is likely the replacement was done at a U.S. Armory and the arm was re-proofed and checked for function. The little letters on the Stock, between the trigger-guard and 'circle P', are probably sub-inspector initials. (There was no need for an 'acceptance cartouche' since the arm had already been accepted into service). Stocks replaced in the field are believed to lack the 'cartouche' and 'circled P', but, will have the little sub-inspector initials or number.

The light rust on your trigger-guard appears like it can easily be lifted and removed, with Hoppe's #9 solvent and a penny or #0000 steel wool, leaving a nice brown patina.

Since your model 1896 Krag is a late one, it uses the same front barrel-band as the model 1898. Note - it may be necessary to remove the blade from your front-sight base to put the front band on and take it off. The model 1896 blade is shorter than most model 1898 blades, so maybe it will clear. If removal is necessary, the small sight pin is tapered and driven left to right for removal. The screws and swivel on your 1903 front-band will work with a Krag front-band

I am attaching several pictures of model 1898 front-bands. I am also attaching a picture of the various Krag hand-guards from the KCA Website. (You need the 2nd hand-guard from the left).

This and other interesting photos can be viewed by 'clicking on' the 'photos' tab of the KCA Website main page. Lots of good stuff available through the Main Page that can be reached by 'clicking on' - "news: Visit the 'KCA Website' today!" - as the Banner moves at the top of this page.