1899 Krag carbine--after 25 years waiting

[IndyDave1776]

Once upon a time in my youth, my favorite local gun dealer took in an 1898 Krag which had been parade chromed and had a stock that looked like it spent two wars being used as a club. It was ugly AF but he only wanted $60 for it. It didn't take long for me to get attached. It was a fun gun and I just liked the way it went "boom". Some POS kicked my door in and helped himself to it.

Since then I have been looking for the right replacement and finally found the right deal while I had some extra green for an 1899 carbine. I was leaning toward the carbine as a preference and given the cost figured I would have to settle for a cut down rifle rather than the genuine article, but here it is. All it needs to be correct is a proper rear sight and a handguard. It just so happens that in my collection of odds and ends I have both a handguard and a correct 1901 carbine rear sight. The handguard will have to be fitted and finished and I will have to follow up when I have time to work on it, but here is my new acquisition:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/887613805#carousel-modal-view-item

 

[IndyDave1776]

I finally had time to install the handguard and 1901 rear sight. No fitting or finishing was necessary. I forgot that in addition to the new handguard I also had a vintage handguard in the collection.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Nice Dave! Love my Krags. Both of mine are cut down rifles though. You got a good deal on that one!

 

[Thor]

Nice!

I have a full size with the bayonet lug. Yours looks very handy...also...be careful on that chair!

 

[IndyDave1776]

Nice!

I have a full size with the bayonet lug. Yours looks very handy...also...be careful on that chair!

I just can't get away with anything!

 

[Wolfhound]

Very nice historical rifle you have there. Those are getting hard to find these days.

 

[KellyinAvon]

 

[BIGE7.62]

Nice Krag
I just cleaned one up for a friend of mine , it was his grandfather's.
A Kreg is definitely on my short list

 

[IndyDave1776]

When I bought it, I had a lengthy discussion with the seller. It had belonged to his dad who fought in Korea and is no longer with us. Both of them had entertained the idea of restoring it to original configuration and never got around to it until he finally found himself running out of space. I sent pictures last night after finishing, which left him deeply moved and at peace with selling.

The amazing part is that I already had the parts. New handguards ate on indefinite backorder. I haven't seen any used ones. A 1901 carbine sight (not to be confused with a 1901 rifle sight--same design with different graduations) scandalized my sensibilities at $200 10 years ago. Now I am seeing prices closer to $500. Without having parts I bought at much more reasonable prices back when this project would not have been viable.

 

[Leadeye]

Nice rifle Dave, and you're right they are much higher on GB these days.

 

[Joniki]

Very nice. Wouldn't you just love to find the scumbag that broke into your home and hang him from a tree out back?

 

[IndyDave1776]

Very nice. Wouldn't you just love to find the scumbag that broke into your home and hang him from a tree out back?

I was thinking of tying his ankles to the back bumper and driving to Tennessee.

 

[Noble Sniper]

I still want a Krag carbine!!!! And that ones a beauty!!! Watched Death Hunt as a kid and loved it. Have a minty older Savage 99 but hope one of these days to find a Krag carbine as nice as yours..... Congrats!!!!

 

[tribeofham]

I love my Krag. I don't have the carbine, I wish I did, but mine is unsporterized and it's in decent shape. I've found the actions on these rifles to be smooth and I can't get over how cool the side loading magazine is.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I love my Krag. I don't have the carbine, I wish I did, but mine is unsporterized and it's in decent shape. I've found the actions on these rifles to be smooth and I can't get over how cool the side loading magazine is.

Agreed! Mine have been sporterized into the carbine configuration, but agreed about the action. I think they're even smoother than the Enfields, and that's saying something.

 

[pitbulld45]

When I bought it, I had a lengthy discussion with the seller. It had belonged to his dad who fought in Korea and is no longer with us. Both of them had entertained the idea of restoring it to original configuration and never got around to it until he finally found himself running out of space. I sent pictures last night after finishing, which left him deeply moved and at peace with selling.

The amazing part is that I already had the parts. New handguards ate on indefinite backorder. I haven't seen any used ones. A 1901 carbine sight (not to be confused with a 1901 rifle sight--same design with different graduations) scandalized my sensibilities at $200 10 years ago. Now I am seeing prices closer to $500. Without having parts I bought at much more reasonable prices back when this project would not have been viable.

somethings are jut meant to be, not a coincident that you had the parts and the rifle you found needed them. Great rifle and story.

 

[baranjhn]

Nice Krag. I've always wanted one.

 

[Ark]

Krag carbine is high up on my wish list. RDR2 ain't done costing me money yet.

 

[warren5421]

I have a rifle that I have never shot and I have had 12-14 years. I like the look just have never shot it and no reloading tools so won't be shoting for a long time.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I have a rifle that I have never shot and I have had 12-14 years. I like the look just have never shot it and no reloading tools so won't be shoting for a long time.

30-40 Krag ammo is available (well, not sure about right now, but normally).