You will get one similar to the one in the photos, hand selected and inspected.
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See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. Substituting the higher M1898 front sight may "solve" the problem, even though it's not "correct".An item that has been used previously. It will shoot high with that sighting system. The only factory ammunition available these days is a 180 grain bullet at between 22 fps. Factories have not loaded the 220 grain round nose soft point which approximated the service loading since about 1960. If you are shooting anything different than that, the POI will differ substantially from the sight markings. Remember that the lowest sight setting is 300 yards, and the sighting system is regulated for a 220 grain RN bullet with a muzzle velocity of approximately 2000 fps. The front sight is the correct height for the M1896 rear sight. A lower front sight will move the POI even higher.Īfter looking at the sights. Although the Krag design clearly had its shortcomings and was quickly obsoleted, the rifle acquitted itself well in the few conflicts where it saw actual service including the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, the Philippine Insurrection, and the defense of Norway against the Nazis (albeit in 6.5x55 caliber). However, I have to take issue with your last statement ("I could not imagine using this rifle in time of war").
I'm sure we would all like to see some full size pictures if you can post them. In that case All Is Good and accurate shooting will be a matter of estimating range and finding a modern bullet and load which will emulate the original ballistics.įrom the small photos it looks like you may have a beautiful rifle in outstanding original condition.
On that basis I think it would be safe to say that your rifle was made sometime in late 1898 but impossible to say which month without further research.Īs for the point of aim, based on your picture it appears that your rifle is already fitted with a short front sight blade, which would be correct with the Model 1896 rear sight.
The cut-off serial number which I noted above (152670) has been widely published over the years and is the number used by the BATF to determine "Antique" status.
For example, his table reports that there 103,778 Krags made between and with serial numbers between 116147 to 219925. Although no doubt accurate (since it is presumably based on Springfield Armory records) it is an odd way to correlate date with serial number. The cut-off date for an antique Krag is serial number 152,670.īower's site reports serial number by fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) rather than calendar. It may also be exempt from state regulations, depending on where you live. This makes it an "Antique" under federal law which means that it does not need to go through an FFL holder for an interstate sale. Fitting a lower front sight blade should bring your point of impact up so you can zero at a shorter range (100 or 200 yards depending).īTW your rifle was made in 1898, not 1899.
Based on the serial number, there is a very good chance that the Model 1896 sight fitted to your rifle is original.Īs mentioned above, not only does the Model 1896 have a "battle sight" of 300 yds, there is also a good chance that your rifle has been retrofitted somewhere along the line with the more common Model 1898 front sight blade which is higher than the Model 1896. Quite frankly, the rear sight situation on Krags during production was an absolute mess, with at least seven distinct variations used on the rifles alone during nine years of production (not to mention Carbines).