1896 Carbine

[Tascosa Joe]

Yesterday I ran across a Krag Carbine with the saddle ring intact and the C marked sight.  The wood and metal are in poor condition.  The price is $700.  I assume this is a decent price if it still has a bore?

[Trailrider]

Of course, it depends on how bad the condition is, but if the bore is good, and everything else checks out as safe to shoot, that might be about right, or maybe a tad high.  You can't make any assumption about its usage, but a lot of '96's saw action in the SAW, either in Cuba, Puerto Rico or even the Philipines. Good luck!

"And beneath the starry flag,
   civilize 'em with a Krag,
And return us to our own beloved homes!"

[Tascosa Joe]

It has a shootable bore and I  found the O P cartouche.  SN is in the 67XXX range.  I have not purchased it but am thinking about it.

[St. George]

By 'poor condition' - what are you really saying - rust, pitting, missing wood?

According to the serial numbers, that Carbine was made in 1898 - 'after' the Model of 1896 and its distinctive look.

That the receiver is so-marked just means that it's following the Pattern.

Scouts Out!

[Drydock]

Original Krag Carbines are a sellers market.  Virtually all saw combat, the 96s most certainly so.  I'd be inclined to get it myself.  Depending on condition I might remove the original stock for preservation, clean and remove any rust from metal, then put it in a good reproduction stock for shooting.  Sometimes a good cleaning and steaming can really restore a stock.

[Drydock]

By the table in Poyer and Riesch's "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine" that serial number was most likely produced in June of 1897, one of 12,022 carbines made by that date.  That number also definitely falls in the accepted range for 1896 carbines.  I really like it better now!

This all assumes it is complete.  If pieces are missing, or there is significant rot, then it's too much.

[Tascosa Joe]

The receiver is in pretty good no finish a few pits.  The barrel has some significant external pits.  Internal the rifling is strong but dark.  I think it will clean up ok for a shooter.  The stock is complete but is showing some oil rot.