Krag carbine spotter guide?

[Captain Lee Bishop]

Today I found a Krag carbine (I think) in a local antique store for a decent price. The stock has been modified with a modern sling mount. The action is good and apparently doesn't look "sporterized" to me other than the stock (which can be replaced). I'd like to buy it but I don't want to get a rifle that has been badly butchered and I wasn't up on Krags enough to notice.
I have searched google but need a good website showing details I should look for. I just don't know Krags like I do WW2 guns and want to be sure this just isn't well done spotorized rifle instead. Can anyone help with a good link? I don't have any reference books with the detail i need for this...

[Bull Schmitt]

Try this place for some nice photos:

http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/

Col Bull

[Captain Lee Bishop]

Hmm. I was hoping there a guide to parts of a Krag, but after two days of searching, i guess I'd need to buy a book. But after looking at the site listed above, I realize the one I saw was sporterized. The stock didn't have the ring in the left side and the front sight was incorrect...

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[St. George]

Buying and reading a couple of books would probably be a good idea if you're looking to purchase one of the most widely faked military weapons in America.

Here are a couple of titles:

'The Krag Rifle Story' - Mallory and Olson
'The Krag Rifle' - Brophy
'The American Krag Rifle and Carbine' - Poyer

The first two are literally 'bibles' - the third is merely 'available' - but may be your only reference for awhile.

If you've been looking at the various gun selling sites online - you already have a good idea that you're going to have to part with some serious money if you really want a nice, un-screwed-with original configuration weapon.

The Model 1899 will be the most common - often being a rebuilt piece from the post-Spanish-American War/Philippine Insurrection era - but in order for it to fit into the whole 'Rough Rider' Impression, it'll have to be an earlier Model with a sling bar and ring.

My GG-Uncle was issued a Model 1896 when he rode with G Troop.

Hard to find in good condition - many were sporterized and/or used to death as deer guns.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Pitspitr]

North Cape Publications prints "Pocket Guide to the .45-70 Springfield" and I was thinking they also publish a similar guide to the Krags. If so, I'd get it because it's inexpensive and you can take it with you when at the gun store or gun show.