A rifle that I just bought for $800.00...

[psteinmayer]

Yeah, I really don't know if mine ever fired a shot over there or not... just that it was there and used with rear echelon troops. The rifling is quite sharp, and shows just average wear. It is absolutely my favorite rifle!

Yours is simply beautiful!!!

Para was kind enough to give me the pattern for the charger... and then graciously allowed me to produce them for (minimal) profit. He's someone I have a great deal of respect for!

[Fred]

Thanks. I'm glad that you enjoy the photos! The stock sure is nice isn't it.

[kragluver]

psteinmayer - I'm curious... how did you track the provenance of your Krag's use in France? Please tell the story.

[psteinmayer]

The man who carried it in France was a friend of my father's father. He returned with the rifle and upon his discharge, took said rifle home and promptly placed it in storage where it remained for approximately 50 years. This man died, and his son, a good friend of dad's did not want to keep it, and gave it to my father. I can document the man having been in France, and know that he had the Krag with him. I really wish I could back this all up with records of the Krag's issue to him, but this is where the trail goes. I realize that it's hard to actually prove the provenance beyond that... but that's the story.

[madsenshooter]

I do so like the Italian walnut! I might like one of those seldom seen yellow ones better!

[Parashooter]

To me, the stock appears to be American black walnut (juglans nigra). The handguard, however, seems to show the closed grain and distinctive yellowish hue associated with European walnut (juglans regia).

[madsenshooter]

Easy way to tell, under the barrel or in the butt trap, if it's orange there, it's Italian.

[Fred]

By golly, I do believe that the stock is American Black Walnut and that the hand guard is Italian Walnut.
I removed the butt plate and the wood is dark. I removed the rear sight and peeked at the wood inside on the side and it's orange like. Both the hand guard and stock must've been selected for color and grain.
The stock fits to the metal like bark on a tree too and the contours and edges of the butt plate are absolutely even in level and contour with the wood. Absolutely a kiss my ass perfect fit! Wow.

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

Those early pre-WWI 1903's were fit the same way. Like a Swiss Watch.

[Fred]