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 10 R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock (Read 2869 times)
kerry49
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R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Apr 21st, 2018 at 1:59pm
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I've run across an interesting krag rifle with R.D.R mark behind the trigger guard and no other marks or cartouche. Is this a legitimate field repair stock or otherwise? Thanks for any insight you all can provide. Sorry no picture.
Kerry
  
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Dick Hosmer
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #1 - Apr 21st, 2018 at 6:03pm
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IIRC, R. D. Roper was a foreman in the stocking shop - the mark (which is fairly common and occurs with and without the "P") should be genuine, and most likely IS on a legitimate replacement stock.
  
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kerry49
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #2 - Apr 21st, 2018 at 6:17pm
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Thank you for the information. I had done some quick searches on line and in Poyer's book, but hadn't found any references. So this is good. I mostly lurk on this forum but really enjoy all the discussions on Kragology. I have three rifles plus an ongoing scout rifle project.
  
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butlersrangers
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #3 - Apr 21st, 2018 at 7:09pm
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I have a similar model 1898 Krag rifle. The stock has no 'cartouche' and no "circled P". It does have very nice wood, marked with the small R.D.R., behind the trigger-guard.

This Krag is in very good shape and has a model 1901 rear-sight.

I have always assumed the stock was a likely 'field replacement'. The stock and hand-guard wood are a great match.

Thanks Dick for possible I.D. of Foreman R.D. Roper.
  
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kerry49
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #4 - May 12th, 2018 at 8:00pm
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I ended up getting the subject Krag rifle so here are some pictures. Nicely mottled and the muzzle area is pretty corroded, but otherwise OK. #55802 I believe. Bore is not bad for these, my visual ranking is its the best of my four Krags rifles. (did I say four? how did that happen?) So take a look.
Kerry
  
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butlersrangers
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #5 - May 12th, 2018 at 11:41pm
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Looks like really nice wood!
  
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kerry49
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #6 - May 12th, 2018 at 11:53pm
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Yes it is a nice stock, except it has a split in the heel of the butt stock from the back of the rear sling swivel to the butt plate up into the bottom butt plate screw hole. I just didn't show it. It has a 1901 rear sight also and the magazine is on with the switch up. Depot mods I would think.
  
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butlersrangers
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #7 - May 13th, 2018 at 3:54am
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That sounds like an easy stock crack to repair or strengthen, invisibly.

It appears many model 1896 Krags received updates like new 'reversed' magazine cut-off lever and model 1901 or 1902 rear-sights, in the early 1900's.

Do you know if your Bolt is an 1896 or 1898 one?
  
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kerry49
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #8 - May 13th, 2018 at 3:47pm
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I took a quick look and compared to one of my 1898 bolts and it seems to have the same characteristics as the 1898 bolt.
  
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #9 - May 13th, 2018 at 4:23pm
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The model 1896 bolt has a shorter 'flat area' on the bottom of the bolt-handle. (1896 is top bolt in photo).

It seems a lot of updated model 1896 rifles may have been given a model 1898 bolt.
  
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kerry49
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #10 - May 13th, 2018 at 9:09pm
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Thanks for the clarifying pictures. I'd say I definitely have a '98 bolt on this '96. Its mottled finish is generally consistent with the rest of the rifle so probably been there awhile. For yucks, here are a few pictures of it.
  
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kerry49
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Re: R.D.R mark on 1896 krag stock
Reply #11 - May 13th, 2018 at 9:11pm
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one more picture.
  
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