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30-40 krag

chickenhawk8
Hello Gentlemen,
I have a question about the 30-40 Krag. I have had the bug for a while to collect alot of our older generations guns. I have amassed so far a trapdoor 45-70, 1903, m1 garand, tommy gun, as well as some of the other newer military rifles. I have come across a guy selling a 30-40 Krag for $400. Now I have not seen it yet in person. I have seen a one pic online. But I was looking for your expert opinion on the rifle. I do know that the furniture looks to be original. I have talked to the owner and he states that it is original as well but missing the "foregrip" wood. He has also stated it to be a carbine and has sporterized front and back sights. I plan on looking at it this sunday but just figured I would ask ya'lls opinion as well.
Thanks
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • chickenhawk8
    I'm looking a a (sporterized) 30-40 KRAG. The bore looks clean and in good shape. It is in useable condition. Is there anything I should look for before buying this rifle.
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  • Radar
    Parts for Carbines are hard to come by,the forearm you may find will never match unless you refinish both and then that kills the value.
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  • Nwcid
    It depends on what you want it for. If you want a true collector you will pay way more then $400. As stated there are not a ton of parts as they were not in service that long and it was 100 years ago. On top of that many of the guns got made into sporters.

    If you want a nice example to shoot it might work for you. If you want an original then it is not the gun for you. I bought a nice sporter version last year for just under $300 and I am very happy.
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  • gary wray
    chickenhawk8....it all depends on what you mean by "collect." If you want a collector grade rifle this Krag, by its very description, is not it. As mentioned, good ones are hard to find and (much)more expensive than the potential "shooter" that is being described. I have a Danish Krag...great shooter, one of the smoothest bolt actions ever made (like butter), but I don't reload so ammo is expensive. So, if you just want a shooter, might be what you want. If you want a collector grade Krag, pass.
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  • CapnMidnight
    I've had a Krag around, in one form or another since I was 13 years old. What Radar said about forwood for a carbine is true, I've been looking for 5 years for the correct top hand guard and rear sight for a carbine. Correct carbine parts are hard to find. You stated the rear sight had been replaced, most likely with a "peep" sight. This requires the removal of the magazine cutoff, they run about $40.00 to replace, if you can find one.
    The point I'm trying to make is, $400.00 is high for a shooter, if your trying to buy a collector your better off spending twice or three times that amount buying one off the auction side. You'll have more money in trying to make the rifle you mentioned into a correct rifle than you will buying the real thing.
    For what it's worth.
    W.D.
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  • Spider7115
    I've seen many so-called "carbines" that are actually cut-down rifles. Bannerman & Sons did this on a regular basis.

    If it's a Model 1896 or 1898, it will have a sling bar and saddle ring or at least the inletting for the bar. Only the Model 1899 did not. Also, the front sight on an original carbine is dovetailed on whereas the cut-down models were held on with a band.

    1896carbines12.jpg
    1896carbines05.jpg
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  • chickenhawk8
    Thanks Guys. I really appreciate the feedback. I still would like to check it out sunday (maybe he has more guns for sale). Will let you know.
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    also be advised that the NRA had rifles 'converted' into carbines. these are 'collectable' also. they will have a springfield 1903 type front sight.
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