Hello Krag Friends,
I recently purchased this 1898 "Short Rifle" and thought I would post it here for viewing and comments.
The seller said that he had acquired several of these that appeared to have been cut down by Vet organization to same length as an '03 Springfield (Perhaps for uniformity?????) Seller said that he had these re-crowned and that the barrels are decent, serviceable and the the rifle functions as it should. I don;t think he fired any of them.
I have a long rifle and liked the short rifle (Being an '03 collector), the price was decent, so I purchased it.
It is an 1898 with serial 472932.
(You need to Login to view media files and links) gives a year of manufacture as 1903, which seems to match the cartouche.
It is at my dealer, waiting for me to return home Next October.
Barrel length is 23". It is my intention to have it sent to my gunsmith to have a correct front sight installed (S&S) and also have the sharp edge rounded off......If anyone objects, please chime in and include reason.
It has the 1902 Rear sight. My dealer tells me that the rifling is "good". His words. Won;t be until October when I can actually inspect.
Anyway....here is is.....