Hi all,

I have a Krag 1899 carbine that I have had for a bit, It came from a group of firearms that I got from an older friend of mine. I had Rick the Liberian look at it and he thought it was all carbine except the barrel. I didn't think the barrel was a carbine barrel either as it has an 03 front sight. I would like to figure out the story with this carbine. I am not planning on selling it, but would like to know an estimated value for my records. Also would someone please be able to look up in the SRS for 226798.

My library for Krags is limited currently. I have the Poyer book and would like to get Col Brophy's book as I have his 03 book, but have other priorities for the cash currently.

I forgot to add I would like to replace the screw on the sight with the correct thumb screw.

Thanks
Martin

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

I'm not sure about the barrel, length is needed, measured from bolt face to crown with a rod.  As for your elevation locking screw, one from a 1903, which is easier to find will work. Sarco has them for $5.95.  Someone will likely come along and give you some direction on installation.

'RedLeg0811' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

No SRS match. The closest numbers are 226756 (model 1899 carbine sold to Northwestern Military Academy 09/10/1938) and 226812 (model 1899 carbine sold to Squadron 'A', NYNG 02/24/1909).

A reproduction 'slide lock-screw' can be purchased from S&S Firearms, Glendale, N.Y. (catalog viewable on-line) for $12.50.

Your barrel appears to be a Krag barrel. Krag carbine and rifle barrels have the same taper. The only dimension that is helpful in identifying 'carbine origin' is the 22 inch length already mentioned. (If your barrel is longer than 22", it is a shortened rifle barrel. If it is 22" or less, its origin could be a carbine barrel or a rifle barrel).

Your barrel was 'stepped' at the muzzle to accept the 1903 Springfield front sight base. The barrel crown and finish on the sight are below Armory quality, so it is not one of the 'so called' NRA/DCM carbines made at Benicia Arsenal.

I believe your hand-guard is a nice repro and the sight screws look like reproductions or re-finished.

You have a very nice original carbine stock with a 1901 'cartouche'. I would estimate the value of your Krag at around $550 to $650.

'RedLeg0811': I added more information to my previous post.

It is very likely that "N.J." marked butt-plate is for New Jersey National Guard.

Be advised, however, that your model 1899 carbine, #226798, was likely built in August to November of 1899. It was probably accepted for service in 1899. It is improbable the stock it now has, with a 1901 'acceptance cartouche', is its original stock.

It is likely your carbine was updated or refurbished at some point. The serviceable parts, 'wood' and 'metal', were not kept together during the armory rebuilding process.

Most Krags are not as they left Springfield the first time.

FWIW: If your bore is good, I would recommend fixing the rear sight knob and enjoying your nice Krag, as it is. Put the additional money into shooting, developing a library, and more Krags!

BTW: That is a correct model 1901 carbine sight on your Krag. There are three "c" markings: on base, side of leaf, and on 'slide-notch'.

'RedLeg0811': I am curious about the length of your Krag's barrel.

Your Krag is a nice utility rifle that you don't have to feel guilty about using. Carbine length Krags are fun shooters.

IMHO - You also have some valuable parts: 1899 carbine stock ($300), 1901 carbine rear-sight ($150), 1899 carbine barrel-band ($50), plus all the other parts. More fun than money in the bank!

(p.s. - If they appear chewed up, your barrel's sight-screw holes were probably damaged by 'forcing' incorrect thread replacement screws. Original Krag sight-screws have an unusual .156"X30tpi thread).

Martin: The U. S. military .30-40 ammo was quite corrosive with the early smokeless powders and mercuric priming. If proper cleaning was not done, soon after firing, there was damage to the bore.

I have a model 1899 Krag, similar to yours, that was used for Hunting. It has a pristine bore and a replacement 'banded front-sight'. The barrel is a original Krag barrel, but, it is 22&1/4 inches long. It has to be a rifle barrel that was shortened. When I got the Krag, it was in a horribly re-shaped Krag carbine stock. I put it in a cut-down rifle stock and it is probably my favorite Krag for shooting!

The Krag was very inexpensive and popular, as a Hunting rifle, in the 1920s to 1940s. There were surplus parts and barrels. There were commercial 'after-market' sights available. Sometimes 1903 Springfield barrels were altered to .30-40 for use on the Krag. The 1903 Springfield front-sight was a cheap and viable replacement sight. Altering Krags was common work for professional and amateur gunsmiths of that era.

IMHO - Barrel replacement seems to have been relatively common on Krags used for Hunting. (Who wants a crappy bore)?