1896 Krag 24"

[winterstormfront]

Hello,
I have this 1896 Krag that has a 24" Barrel.Serial # 84845. I guesse it was cut down at some point. It seems it was done long ago and was done to preserve the original look of the rifle. I'm wondering if this maybe was done for DCM or Nra sale. The front sight looks original and is soldered into a flat milled on the barrel. There are no proofs on the stock. I'd like any info on the serial # and any thoughts on the barrel modification. This rifle is in overall good condition with a good bore. It should prove to be a good shooter once I get some ammo together.
Thanks

[Tom in N.J.]

The DCM / NRA cut down sales rifles had 22" barrels and M1903 front sights installed. Many "Krag" rifles were cut by their owners or veteran organizations to match the length of M1903s for color guard use.

[dave]

It could be one of those Bannerman's "short Navy rifles" or done by any one of several commercial firms. Not for DCM or NRA however! I have one also tho the sight work is slightly different. I call It my Amer. Legion rifle. This is another possiblity, many such organizations had them cut down to match their 03's in length. Buddy of mine had a half dozen stored in his buisness safe for an out of buisness VFW, they had no front sites and were chromed. Kind of a neat looking rifles, for shooting only, no collector value.

[Dick Hosmer]

Has to be an "unofficial" shortening - in addition to the never-used barrel length, the crown is improper, and, while the description of the sight installation is similar to standard, the location is not, it being approx. 1/4" too far to the rear.

[winterstormfront]

Thanks for all the great info. Anyway to check the serial # to get an idea of the rifles issue ?

[psteinmayer]

Has to be an "unofficial" shortening - in addition to the never-used barrel length, the crown is improper, and, while the description of the sight installation is similar to standard, the location is not, it being approx. 1/4" too far to the rear.

The front sight looks very close to the front sight on my sporter, which is also 24 inches. Possibly done by the same person???

[jon_norstog]

gotta admit, though, it's not a bad looking job.

jn