But as I research Krags I'm kinda puzzled. What is this little guy, exactly? 24" barrel. Serial number dated to 1901. If it was cut down, work looks to be arsenal/factory job, not "bubba's basement". Didn't cost much so it'll likely stick around as a shooter if it's at all accurate. Any thoughts, bright folks?
Sweet find
ReplyDeleteNice. Interesting, though. I do see references to a short barrel Krag but they are referring to 22 inches, not 24.
ReplyDeleteCalvary model?
ReplyDeleteThis is NOT a carbine model. Springfield Armory never made them with 24" barrels but whoever cut and recrowned it did a fantastic job. This gun was re-worked professionally sometime in it's life. Consensus on a Krag forum I put it on it that it was probably done for a VFW so that it would be the same size as the 1903 rifles that VFW's used for ceremonies. It's definitely a handy size and it balances really nice though. If it shoots well, it's staying.
ReplyDeleteHey Murphy;
ReplyDeleteThrowing this out there...Possible "Cadet" model, I remember just before WWI and during, they had a lot of naval auxiliary and cadets up on duty. I wonder if it was used for that. I recall that they had a mishmash of rifles during that time. Just a thought..?
Krag expert I just talked to thinks it's a "school gun", cut down at the US Benecia Arsenal for use by ROTC units, VFW units, etc., So far it looks like the pics of other school guns on the interweb. Apparently I got a really good deal on it if that's what it is.
ReplyDeleteNice snag!
ReplyDeleteOr.... could be a Bannerman special. I recall seeing some that were cut down in length with a 'sleeved' front sight installed around the barrel.
ReplyDeleteFolks I've consulted ruled that one out. This one appears to be legit Benecia Arsenal rework. Pretty happy with it now.
DeleteVery nice find!
ReplyDeleteBack in the 40s my grand dad had an 1898 of which he had shot the barrel out.
ReplyDeleteHe had a, shorter heavier barrel installed and, according to my dad, it was extremely accurate.
Marking on yours might give you some clues.
It has no markings other than the basic "Springfield Armory Model of 1898".
DeleteI gave my dad's 1898 Krag to my son, but I lean towards it being a school gun, also. I am far from an expert. But my uncle told me that the VFW used to rent out 1903 Springfield's for 5$ during deer season here in Michigan. One year, they ran out before he could get one, and they rented him a Krag, in the shorter length, but it was not the carbine.
DeleteHe had 2 Krags, the full length and what we called the sporterized length.
Damn. I have a '98 Krag that some yutz cut back to 19" (why I got it and three boxes of ammo for $160). I'd love to have one in one of the proper lengths.
ReplyDelete