Krag Sight Question

[Dick Hosmer]

Yes it does, and, no, it will not.

[JOHN42768]

Sorry, no hit on your serial number in SRS. John

[dave]

I think/thought he wanted to know if the sight was "original" when manufactured, not what may or may not be proper as a re-fitting. First ones made had the 96 sight, I believe and then they were fitted with 1901's, correct? I was once told this info but mis-layed or can't find!

[madsenshooter]

First model 98s had 1896 rear sights, then the 1898 rear sight, (some were recalled when the velocity of the ammo was reduced and 1896 sights put back on), then either 1901 or 1902 sights. And of course there are those that never got changed.

[jerrbear]

Thanks John for your help on the SRS. Was crossing my fingers! Dave , You are correct in your assumption. Just trying to figure out how "original" this gun is.

[Kragrifle]

The more likely reason for that piece of wood to be missing is the manuever where the butt is bumped on the ground. This will break out this piece of wood. The tips broken off on either side of the receiver happen when one pulls up on the barrel rather than turning the rifle over to let the receiver fall out. These breaks can be fixed, but making them look good is a challenge.

[dave]

First model 98s had 1896 rear sights, then the 1898 rear sight, (some were recalled when the velocity of the ammo was reduced and 1896 sights put back on), then either 1901 or 1902 sights. And of course there are those that never got changed.

I have three 1898's, 382206 and 400869 have 1901 sights, 117704 has a 1898 unmodified (3 notchs). I was told the first two were correct as made and the 117704 is not. It was Bill Mook who gave me this info over the phone.
I would like to hear from Dick and 5mad on this?

[madsenshooter]

117705 likely started with an 1896 sight. The more powerful load the 1898 sight was graduated for wasn't issued until Oct of 1899 whereas the rifle would have been made around June of 1898.

[jerrbear]

Madsenshooter, What would SN201309 started out with as a sight? Also do you know approximately what month it would have been made?

[madsenshooter]

It would have been made in May 1899. Was Springfield working closely with Frankford arsenal at that time and were they already producing rifles with sights for the 2200fps load that wasn't issued until October? No, they started putting the 98 sights on just a couple months before issuance of the load. So my best guess for yours would be 1896 also.