Howdy Man-Goat...  Welcome to the forum, and to the wonderful world of Krags!

Well, by all outward appearances, you seem to have the 1898 Carbine, however, those more well versed in the appropriate serial numbers can comment whether it is in range or not... but IIRC, I think it is.  The barrel is measured from the muzzle to the closed bolt face.  Speaking of bolts, where is it?  Is it missing, or just removed in the pictures?  Did you look in the butt-plate trap to see if the cleaning rods and oiler were there?  Anyway, if it does prove to be the 1898 Carbine, you have inherited something special, and much sought after!

'Man-Goat' - Welcome! I am glad you inherited some of your Grandfather's guns.

Your model 1898 Krag, #127280, is in the serial number range for 1898 carbines, but, there are also plenty of rifles mixed in that range. Your serial number is not listed in the Springfield Research Services data.

Your front sight base looks pretty correct, but, there appear to be rough 'file marks' on the rear of the base, which makes me a bit suspicious. (Maybe someone just scored it with a file to break up light reflection)??

A clear picture of the muzzle 'crown' will tell a lot. Also, if your Krag has an original carbine front blade, there will be a small "C" on the blade's right side.

Most collectors desire the model 1898 carbine, as originally issued. This has a different stock, rear-sight, barrel-band, and hand-guard than yours.

(Model 1898 carbines were issued with a 'short forearm' stock, model 1896 carbine rear-sight, and a hand-guard that ended at the front of the rear-sight. The barrel-band had sight protecting 'ears' and there was a carbine 'sling-ring & bar' on the left stock 'wrist').

Your carbine was 'updated' to model 1899 carbine configuration - 'long forearm' stock, model 1901 carbine rear-sight, 'humped' 1899 protective hand-guard, which was introduced in late 1901, and no sling-ring & bar.

Your carbine is still quite desirable and was probably updated at Springfield Armory, but, its value is about the same as a model 1899 carbine.

Your Krag was built around September 1898.

The (stock marking) 'Acceptance Cartouche', contains the initials "J.S.A." (Joseph Sumner Adams). He was the Foreman of the shops at Springfield. This marking indicates an arm was accepted for service. The "Circled P" indicates an arm was 'proofed' and tested for function.

It is quite possible these markings were put on this stock when it was on a different carbine. Many Krags underwent multiple 'rebuilds' or were refurbished. The arms were taken apart and parts were mixed.

Good morning! That's really cool information, thank you Butlersrangers! What's the Springfield Research Service all about? I've read a little on it but was confused as to how it worked. I popped the butt trap open, after stabbing myself with the screwdriver, there was nothing stored inside. No gold dabloons and not even a treasure map!

I have some more pictures for you guys. The front sight blade has a really worn down mark that looks like it could have been a 'C'. There is also what looks to be a 'C' and other letters on the bolt handle. The muzzle crown is very rounded off and not cut flat at all.

Thanks again for all your help! You guys are great.

~Man-Goat

That's wonderful! You guys are amazing and exceedingly helpful for doing the look ups. Thank you very much.

Now a thought occurred to me. In your professional opinion, would it be worth it to seek out the original furniture and rear sight so that I might restore it to how it was issued? What sort of price range you think that would be in, if possible at all. Or should I keep it the way it is and enjoy it for all of its history?

Also, if I were to fire it off, what rounds would be the best match for the sight markings and easiest for the carbine to handle? Are there any loads to stay away from that might do it damage?

~Man-Goat

I like you Butlersrangers, your candor is appreciated by this working man. I want to sincerely thank you for all your help and time on this subject. Thank you. And thank everyone here for being welcoming and so full of information.

I've read a little about reloading. It seems like something that would be fun to do! However getting started is rather intimidating to be honest. There are so many techniques and terms to learn off the bat that it boggles my mind. Do you think a reloading kit could be stored when not in use? I have limited space in my current accommodations. If/when I put the coin down to start reloading, which I should with the amount I like to shoot, I'll most definitely start a thread on this forum to pick your guys' collective brains about loads and the like.

About how much is it to get started reloading? What's the cost savings look like? Also, can you make your own brass? I know a guy that has a lathe and can spin aluminum, which I assume is similar to brass.

I have some more interesting old firearms that I might want to pick your collective brains about a little later. Allen and Thurber derringer, Allen and Wheelock revolver, m1903 a3, Winchester m97, and a My Friend pistol thing.

I also noticed that at the national matches at camp Perry they are having a 30-40 krag / 1903 commemorative match honouring Roosevelt. That's pretty cool! I wish I could justify the trip out to Ohio on such short notice.

Thanks again guys! You haven't heard the last of me!!!!

~Man-Goat

Thanks for the info Psteinmayer! The spinning of my own cases was a flight of fancy really, but thank you for being concerned for my safety. I like what I see with the Lee presses. They are nice and simple along with being very sturdy and reliable.

I feel the peer pressure!! I truly want to go to the matches but I'm out in New Jersey, it's not an awful drive. It's only 500 miles and about 7 hours. Unfortunately I would have to take two days off of work, which would not be ideal. However, I'll keep it in the back of my mind. Do you know if they will have the same match next year?

Happy fourth of July everyone!!

~Man-Goat

Hey Goat Man,

Here is a snap shot from the CMP web site that lists the vintage military matches in New Jersey. GSM means Garand, Springfield and As Issued Military. Should be something not too far from you. Closer than Camp Perry.