1896 and 1898 Krags

[Adventurer_96]

I'm not sure if this should go in a gunsmithing forum or not, but did the 1898 use the same stock as an 1896 rifle? I'm restoring an 1898 and I found an original 1896 stock which I hope would fit it.

Thanks in advance for any info anyone may have, I've been searching for an 1898 stock to no avail for the last three months on the web and I'm close to becoming desperate.

 

[Gewehr98]

What kind of cartouches on that stock?

If you're not into a 100% correct historical restoration, no reason not to use that 1896 Krag stock. I, too, have been looking for a correct 1898 Krag stock and handguard for my full-length rifle. So I'm going with a Boyd's reproduction stock and handguard, then coming up with my own handguard retaining clip.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. There's a website called the Krag Collector's Society that might have a more in-depth answer to your 1896 stock question.

 

[Adventurer_96]

Thanks, I hope that the inletting isn't significantly different. If I get it, I'll post some words on this thread.

Oh, and I don't know what cartouches are present on it. I just wish I could use the original stock that's been cut down, it has some nice ones, but the forearm has been hacked so much not even a stock extension will work.

 

[Jim K]

They are not the same at the bolt root. The Models 1892/1896 have a steel tang on the receiver that the bolt drops into; the 1898 does not have the tang and the bolt fits down into the wood. Using an 1896 stock on a Model 1898 will require filling the gap some way.

Unless you are acquainted with wood working and can do that kind of work without it being visible, I would try to find an 1898 stock, or determine if the M1896 stock foreend can be spliced to the old stock. I have seen several jobs like that done so well that the repair was totally invisible from the outside.

Jim

 

[Adventurer_96]

I may have a line on an original 1898 stock, I have to call early next week to see if the company has any in stock.