My 1896 rifle

[Fred]

Yes it is Mike. It even has one in the stock along with three sections of rod.
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[Fred]

Rifle looks like a new one.

It appears to me that this rifle was certainly used in service. It also appears to've been cared for quite well. The metal is without any pitting. The bore is sharp.
The original stock was replaced at some time during its service with a Field Replacement stock.
Some armorer matched up the Blonde stock with a matching Blond hand guard.
It's an excellent fit of metal to wood. Well matched up.

[sdkrag]

Really nice rifle!

[Fred]

Thanks!

[free1954]

very nice. and great pics. was that a converted 92 rifle?

[Fred]

No, it was made as an 1896.

[free1954]

No, it was made as an 1896.

thanks for the reply. I wish I could take pictures that nice.

[butlersrangers]

Fred - What is the 'story' on the interesting sling on your beautiful model 1896 Krag?

Pardon my borrowing and cropping your nice photos. This sling has a very distinctive structure, button placement, and attachment, which I am trying to highlight.

Can you explain more about your sling? It appears a lot more practical and less bulky than the usual 64 to 66 inch long Krag sling. It looks like it could be used as an aid to prone shooting, as well as, a carry strap.

What is the length of this sling and how many pairs of holes? Thanks!

freds sling-1ed.jpgfreds sling-2ed.jpg

[Fred]

It is one of the slings that were used on the new Rod Bayonet 1903. They were also used on Krags.
Dated 1903 and stamped Rock Island Arsenal.

[Fred]

I believe the sling might've been designed for the Krag, and then, later adopted to use on the new 1903 when it came out.
I'll get the length and the number of sets of holes posted here for you after I take it off the rifle and measure it. Maybe I can leave it on the rifle and do the same...
Normally, these Slings go for $250.00 to $300.00. I had two of them and let one go on my sold rod bayonet 1903. The best of the two I kept on my 1896 Krag.

[butlersrangers]

Thanks Fred! An approximate length and the number of holes (pairs) would be good and greatly appreciated.

[Fred]

The sling has 20 pairs of holes and is 51 inches long from the end of the claw to the end of the sling.

[Fred]

With Three pairs of holes on one end, the sling can be kept taut or allowed a little slack, depending on where the hooks are placed. There's no reason to have to Remove the brass button before adjusting the sling for carrying. It's an excellent Krag and early pre 1907 sling for an 03 Springfield.

- - - Updated - - -

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[butlersrangers]

Fred - Thank you again for sharing wonderful items from your collection. Thanks for the details on a very interesting and rare U.S. Sling!