Whig, thanks for all the great info, it is greatly appreciated. I’ve learned more about Krags and my carbine in one afternoon than I probably could have learned in weeks or more. I think it’s entirely plausible that the marks were from some form of secured rest or fixture. Thank you for the photo.

I have a friend who owns and shoots several Krags and reloads his own ammo. I have shot his which convinced me to buy this one when it came along. I haven’t had a chance to shoot it yet, but plan to soon. Ammo is for available locally, though it’s not cheap. Reloading may be my next investment...

Mike

'Mike4MSU' - I posted more pictures of my 1899 carbine front-sight on my earlier post for your review.

FWIW - The rear mounting screw, on your 1901 carbine rear-sight, appears to be standing 'proud'. The screw head should be flush with the top of the sight base.
Possibly the wrong Krag sight screw has been used. (Some 1892-1896 sight- screws have a thicker head).

Your Krag model 1899 carbine, (serial number - 279965), likely was assembled around August, 1900, to September, 1900. This is just after the model 1898 carbine rear-sigh was discontinued.

It is possible, the initial sight on your carbine was the model 1896 carbine-sight. It is also probable, that your carbine was updated to the 1901 sight early in its service.

You have a nice model 1899 carbine. The only change, I would make, would be that tall rear-sight screw.

Attached photos showing correct 1901 sight screws.

‘Local Boy’ - Thanks for the info on the engineers modification for some Krag Carbines.

‘Local Boy’, ‘Whig’ and ‘Butlers Rangers’ - Upon closer inspection of the two indentation marks behind the trigger guard, it is indeed two holes that were filled. IF this was one of the engineers carbines modified in the field, I wonder if it was the rear sling cutting jig that created the two holes.

‘Butlers Rangers’ - I removed the rear screw that was standing proud of the 1901 rear sight base. The head of the screw is too large to fit in the recess pocket of the sight base, although it looks to be the same age and patina as the rest of the carbine and sight. I went to grandpas parts and a few other places that might have the correct screw, but could only find the original longer front screws or reproduction rear screws. Until I find an original rear screw, I’ll likely leave the current one in place. Thanks for identifying the improper screw.

Mike

I truly appreciate everyone’s input, comments and education. I’m attaching a couple more photos.

There was a 3 piece cleaning rod and oiler in the butt of the stock, I can attach photos if anyone is interested, but assume it’s nothing unusual. What I did notice is that there is the number 16 with a 44 underneath it. Any significance to the number inside the butt door?

While not the best, I’ve also attached a photo of the bore. Under light, there’s a couple of spots within the first 1/2” or so of the bore which you can see in the photo. After that, it’s quite clean and fairly shiny. Rifling is very strong throughout.

I also took the advise from ‘butlersrangers’ and found a correct period original 1901 rear sight screw which I hope to receive shortly.

Mike

The butt caps were hand fitted to the butt plate and both stamped with matching numbers.

Your butt plate should have the same numbers arranged in a similar pattern as your butt plate cover.

Always nice to find the cleaning rods and oiler in the butt stock... Unfortunately for me it's always an added expense  ... currently averaging $50 bucks a pop for a set.

I’ve currently got my eye on a Dillon 550 for about $260. Doesn’t have the 30-40 dies with it, but at a retail price of $1.60 to $2.00 it wouldn’t take much to pay for itself. Especially if I were to load 45-70 as well.

Mike

Local Boy - As a follow up to your posted article on the engineer carbine, would you also be willing to post the information on the engineering sling referenced in Chapter 17?

Thank you,
Mike

Local Boy - Thank you very much, I couldn’t find any information online. Sounds like my next purchase should be a book on Krags. If you were to buy one, which book would it be?

Mike