30-40 Krag items of curiousity

[Dr T]

I acquired a 30-40 Krag about 35 years ago when I was in college. It is an 1898 Springfield armory rifle that had been sporterized at some point in time. The barrel was shortened to about 22 inches, and fitted with a nice ramp front sight with a gold bead. The rear sight is a peep that is mounted on the ejector on top of the bolt. The stock was modified: the fore end was cut down and carved into an Alexander Henry style, the top piece removed, and the butt was fitted with a recoil pad.

Being young and stupid, I bought the rifle because it was nicely balanced, easy to load and unload, and promised to kick less than my Dad's 30-06.

I also used this rifle to learn about handloading.

The fired cases are peculiar: At point of the shoulder, the cases have a distinct point then smoothly curve to the neck (rather like having a single radius shoulder rather than the double radius used by Weatherby). Since the case headspaces on the rim, I have never been concerned about it.

Questions:
1. Can anyone tell me anything about the rear sight? I have only seen one other rear sight like it (also on a Krag), but have not been able to find any information?

2. Has anyone come across this type of shoulder on a case? If so, was it done deliberately or is it due to massive erosion?

 

[murdoc rose]

pics?

 

[Mr Bruno]

My family shot a lot of whites and elk with a 30-40 ours fit your discription. It came into the family thru trade to my grandfather. It was used by one of the rough riders, and has a the name of the soldier carved into the fore grip.

 

[Abel]

Being young and stupid, I bought the rifle because it was nicely balanced, easy to load and unload, and promised to kick less than my Dad's 30-06.

Nothing stupid about the 1898 Springfield. Nothing stupid about the 30-40 Krag chambering either. Nice rifle.

I've seen three 1898 Krags with adjustable Williams brand peep sights mounted on them. If you will post pics of your rifle, we could help you id the sight.

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

My family shot a lot of whites and elk with a 30-40

Caucasians and lodge members? Is your last name Manson?

KR

 

[Mr Bruno]

lol Kentucky, no that was not a freudian slip, I ment whitetails

 

[Sunray]

"...bought the rifle because..." Excellent reason. Not in the least a 'young and stupid' thing. Go here. http://www.surplusrifle.com/uskragrifle/index.asp
"...cases have a distinct point..." Somebody might have played wit hit before you got it.
The only downside to the .30-40 is the availablity of ammo and brass. Only made 'seasonally' by Remington and Winchester. Haven't a clue what season.

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

+1 on the "young and stupid" thing; there's nothing remotely stupid about owning a Krag. I've been wanting one for years, I've just wanted other things more.

I'm envious. I've handled dozens of the Krags at shows and stores, and the actions are always slick. Plus, I have a real thing for older / classic rifles and cartridges, and the Krag is both.

A lot of the guys will turn their noses up at sporterized Krags, but they collect military stuff in original configuration. While I appreciate well-built military rifles, and I understand their branch of the hobby, I'm a shooter. I buy guns I want to use. I don't have a single safe queen One of these days I'll have the money on hand to buy a Krag when I find a good deal on one.

KR

 

[Ifishsum]

Krags are known for relatively generous chambers - my 1898 is very similar. Erosion would happen in the throat, not in the shoulder area. If you only neck size your brass it will last pretty well, but if you FL size and put those shoulders back every time, it doesn't last long.