1894 .30-40 Krag

[RWMC]

I own a cut-down 1894 .30-40 Krag. Whoever made it into a sporter did a really nice job. The barrel is now 24 inches long, but it still retains the original front sight. The stock has been shortened and the cleaning rod channel was nicely filled. The barrel band has been cut and reduced in size to fit the trimmer stock. The stock forearm and wrist area had been nicely checkered with the checkered pattern being very even.
Now for the unusual part. The rifle is dated 1894, but the serial number is in the 18,000 number bracket.
I realize that Krag was adopted in 1892, and that the first one was actually produced in 1894, and that for the first two years of production the actual date of manufacture was stamped on the receiver, as opposed to a model number. The problem is my serial number appears to be too high for a rifle made in the stamp date of 1894. I sure would appreciate it if someone could shed some light on this. Thank you for your input and help.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Fine looking Krag! Very nice job and detail on that rifle.

I can’t answer your question but I can admire your rifle.

I’ve got a converted Krag also.

 

[Curator]

Both Bannermans and the NRA received Krags and Krag parts after the adaptation of the 1903 Springfield. Many, many Krag rifles were made up from bins of used and new parts for sale to the public. Some of the nicest were ones made by gunsmiths contracted by the NRA. Yours looks line one of the better ones. Many of the "sporterized" Krags were cut-down rifles. They usually have an after-market front sight, The original Krag carbine had a 22 inch barrel. Look closely at the rear sight for a "C" (for carbine) or "R" (for rifle) stamped on it. You may have an original carbine stocked with a modified rifle stock. Few Krags survived to this day with all original parts. They were and are great rifles, and a joy to shoot.

 

[Curator]

A closer look at your pictures shows your rifle has the 1902 rear sight and the front sight looks to be soldered on. The originals were brazed on. A measurement of the muzzle and comparison with the muzzle diameter of genuine Krag carbine will tell if it has a cut-down rifle barrel. (a cut to 22 inch rifle barrel will be thicker) Regardless, nice rifle, enjoy!

 

[tark]

The Bannerman and N.R.A. Krags used 1903 front sights. Your gun looks to have the original sight, re-attached to the barrel with solder. The crown looks nice. That gun was modified by a Smith who did a professional job.

the serial number on your gun says it would have been made in July, 1895, so that is a mystery. I'm guessing that receiver was made in 94 and was stamped with everything but the serial #. It may have sat around for any number of reasons, but it probably had a small flaw that needed to be corrected. When the flaw was fixed, it was given a serial number, heat treated, and put back on the production line.

That's my guess. It's the only thing I can think of.

Whatever happened, it's irrelevant, that's a beautiful carbine. Do you re-load? Are you able to find factory ammo. I have has a terrible time with that. Can't find any!

 

[RWMC]

The Bannerman and N.R.A. Krags used 1903 front sights. Your gun looks to have the original sight, re-attached to the barrel with solder. The crown looks nice. That gun was modified by a Smith who did a professional job.

the serial number on your gun says it would have been made in July, 1895, so that is a mystery. I'm guessing that receiver was made in 94 and was stamped with everything but the serial #. It may have sat around for any number of reasons, but it probably had a small flaw that needed to be corrected. When the flaw was fixed, it was given a serial number, heat treated, and put back on the production line.

That's my guess. It's the only thing I can think of.

Whatever happened, it's irrelevant, that's a beautiful carbine. Do you re-load? Are you able to find factory ammo. I have has a terrible time with that. Can't find any!

It is very accurate and very pleasant to shoot When I acquired this rifle I was also given hey set of RCBS reloading dies, two boxes of brand new but old stock Winchester silvertip ammunition probably from back in the 70s , and five other boxes of empty cartridge cases which I have already prepped to get them ready to reload. I plan to reload you seen a 180 grain cast bullet. Would you believe I traded a stainless steel Italian 1858 Remington copy for this rifle and all of the reloading supplies and ammo I got with it, even-up? He was happy and I was tickled to death! Thank you for the fine input about what possibly could have happened to given it a later serial number than what all of the authoritative books on the KRAG Say it should have. I am very thankful for everyone's input and kind comments.

 

[tark]

Wow, RMWN I would say you stole it with that trade!! You got the better of THAT deal I have a cut-down 1896 rifle/ carbine that I suspect Bannermans did. It has the 1903 front sight and a pristine bore with a late 98 rear sight mounted. It DOES shoot exactly to point of aim at 100 yards with the rear at the lowest setting. I suspect it is a parts gun but it shoots like a dream and I could care less about the mix of parts. I have a small stash of factory ammo, six boxes complete, and I don't reload, so I shoot the gun sparingly. I enjoy it immensely and I know you will do the same with yours......

 

[tark]

Just looked at my ammo stash.. I have 60 rounds of once fired Krag brass that I will never use. Send me a PM, or whatever they call it these days, and I'll give it to you. It was given to me, ill give it to you. And forget shipping, the oil company royalties have been good lately. My early Christmas present.

I'll never use the stuff, you will. Merry early Christmas.

 

[30Cal]

Good looking rifle

 

[RWMC]

Just looked at my ammo stash.. I have 60 rounds of once fired Krag brass that I will never use. Send me a PM, or whatever they call it these days, and I'll give it to you. It was given to me, ill give it to you. And forget shipping, the oil company royalties have been good lately. My early Christmas present.

I'll never use the stuff, you will. Merry early Christmas.

Thank you very much Tark for your kind and generous gift! I promise you that I will put them to good use. The only problem is I do not know how to send a PM. If someone could please tell me how to do that it would be much appreciated.

 

[tark]

The only problem is I do not know how to send a PM.

That makes two of us, RWMC. Some one will chime in

 

[someguy2800]

Thank you very much Tank for your kind and generous gift! I promise you that I will put them to good use. The only problem is I do not know how to send a PM. If someone could please tell me how to do that it would be much appreciated.

At the top right of the page you will see a "inbox" just to the right of your username. Hold your mouse over that and an box will open with "start a conversation". Click on that and then you will need to type in "tark" in the participants box.

 

[tark]

Thanks, someguy2800. Now we both know!