Krag at the local gunshop

[Warren]

Somebody brought in a Krag to the local I frequent to get a valuation.

I saw it and started asking questions, natch nobody there knows much about them. Theyh are going to rely on the owner to do that if he can ever be bothered to come in.

Anyway, I've looked up the serial number range and it was made in 1904 it is stamped US with Springfield Armory under that along with it's serial number (471XXX).

Here is what is confusing: while I did not measure it it seemed to be rifle length. Like longer than any rifle I've held before, but it has a carbine type forearm. So there is a lot of barrel hanging off the end.

I've seen pictures and rifles' forearms went all the way to near the end of the barrel so is this some kind of sporterized modification? OR were some rifles turned out like that?

It has some rust spots on the outside of the barrel but the inside looked good as far as the light from my borelight could reach anyway.

The wood was in good condition and really thin. Such a small stock for such a long rifle. There is also a little compass embedded on the top of the stock.

So is there anyway to get a value on it? I doubt the shop owner will get it right so I'd like a second opinion.

 

[Trebor]

Not enough info to answer. It could be a Krag carbine, it could be a Krag that has been sporterized. The addition of the compass to the stock makes me think it's been sporterized. Not much collector value then, so pay what you'd be willing to pay for a shooter.

 

[scubie02]

when I was a kid you saw the Krags and bunches of other surplus rifles all the time for ridiculous amounts of money--as in you could get a crappier one like a Jap or Carcano for $25-$30 many times, and nicer ones like the Krag's for $60-$70. Nowadays prices have gone up ALOT for all of them, but for some reason the Krag's especially seem spendy and somewhat rare, at least around where I am. Best price I have seen was $399, and it had a cracked stock.

Check out the bore very well--most were shot with corrosive ammo and have bores that reflect that. Very nice rifles if you find a good one.