1896 Krag Rifle?

[Jkibler2]

I picked up a Christmas present for myself yesterday. An1896 Krag Rifle serial number 108444. After reading an earlier post this Rifle seems to be late number for this model. Anyway, the Rifle has the 1902 rear sight and tall front sight blade. Can't read the cartouche but the P is there. Those sights don't seem right though. Thoughts would be appreciated. Merry Christmas to All!

[Kragrifle]

1896 rifles will be found with 1901 and 1902 sight upgrades. The proper front sight for the 1902 rear sight will appear tall compared to the short 1896 front sight. The front sight appropriate for the 1901 rear sight is somewhere in the middle.
Occasionally you will find an 1896 rifle with a 1901 cartouche. These usually have the 1901 rear sight but I have seen one with an 1896 style rear sight.

[Dick Hosmer]

I picked up a Christmas present for myself yesterday. An1896 Krag Rifle serial number 108444. After reading an earlier post this Rifle seems to be late number for this model. Anyway, the Rifle has the 1902 rear sight and tall front sight blade. Can't read the cartouche but the P is there. Those sights don't seem right though. Thoughts would be appreciated. Merry Christmas to All!

Not the highest "Model 1896", but certainly getting well up there.

Rear sights were routinely up-graded in service, depending where the rifle(s) were used, and should probably not be considered the horrible drawback that some would make them. Yes, the arm may not be "as made", but if you have perfectly matching patina, wood color, etc., I've come to the conclusion that "restoration" - where you KNOW the new parts are not original to the gun - is not necessarily the best course of action. Yes, we've all done it, but hopefully the thought process matures. Flame away.

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree with you, Dick - I've gone down the "restoration road" before, but there were a few times I wish I would have left well enough alone.

[Kragrifle]

Have an interesting 1896 Krag rifle I would like to show you all but how do you post photos?

[Fred]

I click on the 3rd icon from the right, which is above and to the far right of your typing window.
then click on From Computer
then Click on Choose Phile
then go to your stored photo on your camera. Mine is Camera Roll.
then click on it and
then Click on the Download Icon
then just click on Upload to post.

[swampyankee]

39187

[swampyankee]

Sorry about above picture. Yes Fred it works. Just hope I can remember.

[Kragrifle]

3918839188
This is a note found in the lightening cut under the buttplate of an 1896 Krag rifle I recently found. The rifle stock is in original condition with no oiler cut and is cartouched 1896. The rifle letters out in SRS to an Illinois outfit in 1898. Sights were upgraded probably first to 1902 (high front sight blade) and later to the 1901 rear sight on the rifle as I found it.

[Kragrifle]

39189

[Kragrifle]

Still getting the hang of it!

[madsenshooter]

39189

http://www.myers-mortuary.com/obituary/Harold-E-Probasco/Huntsville-UT/1533676

Same fellow, it appears. I followed up on his marriage in KS. First thing popped up on the google map of Troy, KS was the magistrates office, in some parts of the country known as the justice of the peace.

He liked other old things: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705326229/Huntsville-family-feels-pull-of-antique-tractors.html?pg=all

[Kragrifle]

Wow! Thank you! Kind of brings him back to life.

[p246]

Kragrifle that's a very cool find

[madsenshooter]

Wow! Thank you! Kind of brings him back to life.

Some of the surviving family members might be interested in seeing the little note and knowing where it came from.