Hello Krag Friends,

This is my 2nd posting.

Am doing a Short Rifle build. For the sake of economy, not necessarily originality nor collect-ability, does it really matter if my short rifle has the rifle rear sight over a carbine rear sight? Is there a difference in Drift (Esp with the 1901 rear sight)? I do not anticipate firing beyond 200 yards, but 300 and 600 at times, just for a fun challenge.

Thanks,
Jason
Krag New guy

Here lies the "problem".......I am building a Short Rifle from parts. The used/cut barrel is 22 5/8" long (See my post about bluing a Krag receiver for photo). I am told by the seller that the rear sights holes are good with good, original taping. I will be installing an M1903 Springfield Front Sight base and front sight blade.
Am currently bidding on a correctly marked 1901 rear Carbine sight. Will advise if won or not. I could also go with the 1898 rear sight. I just want something that is windage adjustable.

The receiver will be an 1898 175XXX.

I ask the question if there is any kind of problem using the rifle sights on a shorter barrel, as it would be a cost saving measure on an un-historic, non-restoration build.

[quote author=093637395E0 link=1544460562/1#1 date=1544474282]Welcome, Jason,

You ask a good and important question that ties into the vast array of Krag sight changes that occurred over its 12 year life span along with subsequent front sight blade changes that corresponded to the rear sight used. The carbine sights were set up to shoot differently than the rifle sights because they had shorter barrels and were designed for shooting, generally, at closer targets. So, the carbine rear sight is supposed to use a specific front blade. Whenever you change from one rear sight to another, you risk having a mismatch and not being able to shoot to point of aim.

This also depends on what ammo you use. The carbines frequently are shot with a lighter bullet and the rifles usually are shot with a heavier bullet. This is not absolute but a general design and standard practice. You can use whatever you want and work up a good load for your specific firearm with powder and bullet.

But, we would need to see good pictures of your Krag and sights to answer more specifically. Good pictures include the muzzle and front sight from different angles as well as the Krag receiver and each sight.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Krags! More info to follow.[/quote

'jason60chev' - In an earlier post, you mentioned also considering the model 1898 sight.

IMHO - The model 1898 is a rather bizarre sight and distracting with its three sighting notches. It is rather hard to find a complete one.

Perhaps, you actually meant the model 1902 sight, which is windage adjustable and easy to find at a reasonable price. It is a convenient sight and preferred by some of the KCA members, who shoot.

Photos of the m-1898 and m-1902 are attached. Many 1902 sight eyepieces were equipped with, the so-called, "Sgt. Peep" feature.

Does anyone know if or how well a 1901 Rear sight fits into the 1898/02 hand guard opening?

Jason60chev wrote on Dec 12^th, 2018 at 12:41pm:


It doesn't. I have an original 1898 handguard that was modified for the 1901 rear sight, if you want it message me.

It doesn't. I have an original 1898 handguard that was modified for the 1901 rear sight, if you want it message me. [/quote]

The handguard I am talking about is currently on a rifle with the 1902 rear sight. Enough wood was carefully taken away in front of where the 1902 ends to fit the 1901 rear sight.

I have been shooting a shortened rifle with a 23.5" barrel. The remaining fore stock and accompanying parts have been moved back so that when viewed from the front they are apparently equidistant an uncut rifle.

The rifle is wearing a 1902 rear sight, a m1903 band with an uncrowned muzzle. The stock grip at one time appears to have worn an additional wood or steel grip that has been removed long ago with a screw hole remaining. There is also what appears to be some marks that were applied outside of the grip prior to when it was installed. They read R.I.A-11 or something to that effect. The wood is also marked JFC on the port side.

Interestingly enough the rear sight base and leaf have apparently been faked at some point having a small C imprinted on both parts. At any rate, with a less than stellar bore and frosted muzzle the rifle will drop them in all day long with a 03 f/s blade at 100 and 200yds to p.o.a. with the sight graduations provided. I am using 4064 and 180 Hornady spitzers.

I always wondered why someone would have shortened the rifle to mimic a correct one by leaving all the other parts in place unless it was damaged or they just wanted a handier version to suit their own needs. It's a very pleasant shooter. 

Some Veterans groups had their Krags shortened to look more like 1903 Springfield rifles.

Then of course, there are also movie prop companies.