Sporterized Krag, 24'' barrel?

[cplnorton]

I figured this is a Sporterized Krag rifle done by a gunsmith and nothing special. I know it's not a true carbine. But I thought I have read there were NRA sporters, or engineer carbines, or carbines that were cut down arsenals. Basically a lot of stuff that I know nothing about how to tell if it is one.

I figure this one is a bubba job, but I wanted to make sure what you guys thought. It has a 24'' barrel when I put a rod down the barrel and measure it. From the outside it is 23 1/2. The rear sight is a 1901, I believe. The front sight base is from a 1903. The stock is a cut down full size as I can see where the cleaning rod hole was filled in.

And also what is the drilled holes for, some kind of scope mount? And if so, which kind of mount is it for?

[psteinmayer]

Nice looking sporter. The holes are for a scope mount. I'm not sure if it would have been a Weaver mount, but others here will be able to tell you that. The hole under the stock that has been filled in was not for a cleaning rod, but rather a stock lightening channel. You are correct about the front and rear sights - 1901 rear sight and a banded sight from the 1903 rifle. 24 inch barrels are not uncommon in cutdowns. It should be a great shooter... but unfortunately no collector value.

[cplnorton]

That is what I was thinking on it. It's probably somewhere worth around $300? The bolt is good, and the bore is fine. So it should be a good shooter.

[Dick Hosmer]

Also, the band is on backwards - it will fit better if turned around. You need all the properly fitted bearing area you can get; normally stocks aren't cut so short.

[psteinmayer]

Boy did I miss that one Dick...

[jon_norstog]

That is what I was thinking on it. It's probably somewhere worth around $300? The bolt is good, and the bore is fine. So it should be a good shooter.

Cpl,

If the bore is good it is worth 3 bills most places. Check the bore diameter, some are a little oversize. You're going to love shooting this gun and you won't have to worry one bit about messing it up in the field.

Good luck!

jn

[cplnorton]

It came out of a collection I picked up. I bought the whole collection mostly for another item in the group and it was one of those, buy them all, or nothing. I thought it was just a sporter, but my knowledge of krags isn't what it should be. I just wanted to double check to make sure it wasn't something more than a nice shooter. Thanks for the help everyone!

[madsenshooter]

Holes are in the appropriate place for a Weaver side mount base. Perhaps not the present side mount base, which takes four screws, but an earlier one, not sure.