During installation of a new front sight blade, I cracked a solder joint holding the front sight band together. After cleaning away the old solder, I see about a 1/4" split on the side of the band. The band was soldered together when installed on the barrel. I am ready to have the front sight band resoldered to the barrel, but thought I better stop and ask some questions. Was this old solder joint the correct installation of the band? Was it a repair at some later time? Any tips on resoldering that will keep from damaging the barrel? The Krag appears to be an 1896 Saddle Ring Carbine.

Sorry, I should have sent the photos originally.

Thanks for all the great information. Is there a better option for the front sight, rather than soldering this one back on?

Here are pictures of the stock, barrel, and action. Thanks for the helpful information. The measurement from the muzzle to the closed bolt is 18 13/16". The diameter of the muzzle is 0.67". No step on the muzzle.

It looks like there is a pin pushed into the magazine cutoff. Are the missing magazine cutoff and safety, just pushed into the holes? Is there a feature that retains them? If I found another magazine cutoff and safety, could I simply reinstall them? Sorry if these are novice questions.

'coaspen' - Sorry, I missed your parts question. We don't mind beginner questions. Of course, most KCA members were born knowing all this stuff.

The answer to your 'Safety Question' is complicated a bit by your bolt mechanism having a model 1892 'bolt-sleeve', on it.

AFAIK - There are at least two variations of these early sleeves that have their 'Safety-Lever' retained by a cross-pin. There are at least two variations of pin retained 'Safety' levers. The correct Safety is determined by the placement of the cross-pin hole on the bolt-sleeve body.

Things did get simpler with model 1896 and model 1898 Krags.  Their bolt-sleeves and safety-levers interchange. The Safety is retained on the bolt-sleeve body by a 'captured' spring-loaded pin that is a part of the safety-lever.

Cutoffs are simpler. However, when I first read your question, I got the idea you were saying the shaft was still in the cutoff hole???

Anyways, the model 1896 and model 1898 cutoffs are retained by a spring loaded pin or spindle that is staked into place on the cutoff's lever.

There are two variations of model 1896 cutoffs. The operation of the cutoff was reversed, around 1897, so the position of the 'flat' on the shaft changed.

Don't worry, any of the U.S. Krag cutoff variations will work on your model 1896 action.

(FWIW - I recommend you watch ebay and buy a later type of U.S. bolt-sleeve, with extractor (riveted on) and safety attached).

Some attachments: schematic, cutoff dismount, various cutoffs - with model 1896 in middle, later type of bolt-sleeve assembly.

'butlersrangers' - Thanks for all the outstanding help. I really appreciate it.

I will probably do much of what you are suggesting. To get the action "parts whole" I will purchase a 1896 or 1898 safety that simply pushes into place. I will purchase an 1896 cutoff assembly. (Yes there is a short pin pushed into the hole)

For the front sight I will likely purchase another 1903 Springfield banded front sight. I hate to remachine the barrel, but don't see another choice.

For the rear sight, I will clean out the front hole, reposition the 1902 sight, and fill the machined third hole. The diameter of the rear sight fits exactly on the barrel when it is pushed forward into it's proper position, suggesting that it was indeed a rifle barrel.

Any good ideas on where to get these parts?

Again, thanks for all the help.

Thanks again