I took the plunge and bought a 1898 Krag Rifle from Yankee Artifacts. I know just enough about Krags to be dangerous I have the “Poyer” book so Iam learning as I go. From what I think I know the rifle is a late 1903 (#473698) the muzzle measures less than “1” and the bore clean and shiny the furniture has the typical dings/knicks for a 117 year old mil-surp rifle nothing real serious. I have not the shot the rifle yet I have a box of factory Hornady to start with and some new unfired Hornady cases I plan on reloading if anyone has a pet load they want to share.

Again from what I think I know it has a converted 1898 sight with a type 4B eye piece. The  binding screw has the plain slotted knob.

I have an extra 1902 eye piece that I would like to modify the notch .....but I haven’t figured out how to switch eye pieces any help would be great.

Knute1 wrote on Oct 14^th, 2019 at 12:10am:



I tried posting pics-kept getting an error the file was too big.

I was hoping to use IMR 4895 or Varget ...I load for several other Mil-surp and want to kept things simple.

Just plan on shooting it local “100 year old” matches - most are shot at 200yds

I would like to change the eye piece on the rear sight with one that has the notch and flip up peep modified.

Congratulations, Griff, on your first Krag purchase. We'll help you spend your hard earned savings on more Krag stuff from this point out, I'm sure!

I would also like to see pictures. Sounds like a nice later Krag rifle.

Check out the ammunition and reloading posts. We have had many, many posts about our favorite loads for this wonderful historic rifle. You won't be disappointed with your research of KCA forum sections.

If you post pictures, we'll be sure to pick a part your Krag detail by detail. That's part of the fun in collecting and learning about Krags- they are very complicated in their short military history. That's how I learned the most about collecting is by other experts helping me learn to pay attention to the details. Others will help you see what you didn't on first, second or third examinations.

Thanks for sharing and we'll wait to see some nice photos of your new rifle.

Griff557 - Welcome to the KCA Forum. From what I see on your "Big" pictures, your model 1898 Krag appears quite nice.

BTW - Lots of powder options open up, if you use 180 grain RN projectiles.

In regard to your rear-sight, you would be well off to buy a loose 1902 leaf, slide, and eye-piece to install on your base.

If you try to take the windage-knob off of your nice original sight, to switch the eye-piece, you will likely damage the parts.

A very fine pin holds the knob in place on the windage-screw. It was not intended to be taken apart.

I have a spare 1902 leaf/slide/eye-piece assembly. It's "V" notch has been altered. It is a good candidate for 'tinkering'.

PM me if your interested.

butlersrangers wrote on Oct 14^th, 2019 at 3:48am:


I think I have a line on a complete leaf/eye piece... can I change the leaf without taking the sight off the rifle or removing the handgaurd? Or am I asking for trouble.

Is there a source for a wider front sight?

It’s hunting season here so I’ve been running my tail off I’ll get pics as soon as I can get some time-I would like to get to range as well I have a couple boxes of Hornady factory ammo to get started