Hi, I have been on the search for a decent Krag for a month now. I thought I had found one this weekend on the CMP boards but evidently mailing a rifle to myself with a C&R license was too much. I have looked completely through GB and I am not happy with any that are up there and the ones that are possible candidates are too much. I don’t know where else to look. I didn’t think it would end up being this much of a pain.......

Billy, you are not alone in your quest for a great Krag at a reasonable price. That's why the prices are so high! Krags that are in original (or close) to military configuration and have not been visited by Bubba have gone up in price. We have been searching out Krags and buying them for years as members here at KCA and have struggled with our pursuits.

I have found some nice ones at auctions on the internet. It is a little intimidating to buy something at an auction without having it in hand to examine and, I admit, you take some risks. I have sent some rifles back that were grossly misrepresented or damaged or other problems. Same kind of things in dealing with Gun Broker.

You HAVE to know what you are looking at and what is faked or altered! Krags have often been altered and sold as something they are not. Many of us have dealt with this first hand. We always recommend two things: Get some good reference books on Krags and read through them and ask our advice before buying, if possible. Send pictures and descriptions and we will help you find something good and legit.

Since we have been through the growing pains you are dealing with, we can really help a lot. You are amongst friends here and we love our Krags.

Also, many of us buy damaged Krags and rebuild or restore them. It can be done but you do really have to know what you are getting into before going down this route.

Poyer is a good Krag reference for most people and is inexpensive on ebay.

Good luck and keep us informed!

FWIW - Buy the Gun, not the story. Personally, I would not pay any premium because a Krag came through the CMP, in recent years.

From my observation, a lot of the CMP guns were returned from VFW Posts. Some of these Krags were shortened to 1903 Springfield length. Some had very poor bores from 'Blank' firing. Some were once painted "White" and had telltale paint residue in the wood pores.

Caution is needed to make sure a Krag's Chamber has not been altered for some strange 'blank'.

As others stated above, be patient, get a Krag reference, and read it. It will make you a better Krag 'Hunter'.

In my experience Krags, (even poorly altered ones), have often been overpriced and misrepresented as carbines or rare models.

However recently, I have seen some decent Krags showing up at gun shows for a fair price. (Older collectors culling their collection? Limited interest in 'Old Rifles'  during the 'Black Rifle Era')?

It pays to go to a known 'quality gun show' with cash in your pocket. Talking to a seller, when you have a decent amount of knowledge, will soon reveal if you are hearing good information or Pure Blarney.

Many of us started our Krag Hobby with an inexpensive & honest 'cut down' Krag, with nice parts and an excellent bore. These can be great 'learning pieces' and a lot of fun at the Range. (We probably still have this altered Krag ... or two)!

p.s. Bore condition does matter.
.... and Welcome to the KCA Forum!

I have had luck leaving my name and number at local gun shops. Most of these places sell new black rifle type weapons. Try to cultivate a friendship with the owner. When a older weapon walks in that they do not want they will give you a call. It has worked in the past for me. Don't forget to buy them " lunch" if they come through for you.
       Good luck in your search

Yep, I am holding off the ones at that shop for now. I did buy the one on CMP.  I definitely didn’t pay a premium for it. It’s very nice with 150rds of factory ammo and 100 res of brass. I am happy....

Indeed, no longer! For a Krag anyway. Looking for a M1 Carbine at the same time, I am a glutton for punishment evidently....



butlersrangers wrote on Jul 29^th, 2019 at 5:23pm:

Caution - Collecting M-1 carbines, IMHO, can be a mental illness!

More "Correct" M-1 carbines have probably been 'built' in the last 15 years than were assembled during WW-2! 

I have one M-1 carbine, a National Postal Meter (SA rebuild), imported by Blue Sky. It is for shooting and that is enough for me.

Glad you got your Krag and are satisfied Billy. 

FWIW, Krags sometimes show up in the "Gun Library" at Cabela's and are usually in decent shape.  Unfortunately, they are routinely very overpriced (as the owner thinks he is selling the Holy Grail)... but sometimes, the prices are OK.  Also, as others have stated, visit an antique rifle gun show.  Michigan has four Michigan Antique Arms Collector's shows a year (located in Novi, NW of Detroit), and there are ALWAYS plenty of decent Krags for sale at usually reasonable prices!  Occasionally, you'll see an M1 Carbine too.

Happy Shooting!