From the dusty corner of a backwoods GA gun shop: 1901 Krag

[Blicero]

I broke away from my comfort zone and delved into the world of Krags. Aside from knowing that they're elegant and slick rifles, the extent of my knowledge of them, up until a few days ago, was tenuous at best.

When I found this rifle in the corner of the shop, buried behind a pile of AKs and beat up m1 carbine stocks, it looked like an honest rifle so I made an offer. Twenty minutes later I was driving home with it, the fear and loathing of buyer's remorse setting in- the realization that I had basically no idea of what's right or wrong on a Krag, or what it should cost took hold. The stock was mildewy and dusty and drab. There were cobwebs and ladybug carcasses in the bore. What did I just get myself into?

I spent a couple days giving it some TLC, researching the rifles, getting to know them. Learning how to disassemble, assemble and get the bolt back into the receiver was embarrassingly difficult. But the more I learn, the more I think I hit a home run here.

Here it is- a 1901 m1898 Krag from the Springfield arsenal. You can see where I was fascinated with the windage-adjustable rear sights. The stock cleaned up to reveal a blindingly gorgeous mahogany tinted chunk of walnut. High condition bore. With so many Krags becoming deer rifles, combined with the years of military service, I find it fantastic to find one in this kind of original condition. It's like a time capsule from 1901 opened up in front of me.

[running-man]

Needs more mineral oil! 

So when do we get to see photos of it chopped, D&T'd and scoped out with a ridiculous looking hunk of glass on top of it? 

What does .30-40 Krag run these days?

[Phosphorus32]

Oh my, that is a beauty!     I love that finely aged 114 year old patina on the stock 

RM, .30-40 is about $1.50 per round when you can find it.  In other words it's cheap (if you're accustomed to shooting Japanese rifles)!

[Dannyboy53]

What a great find Blicero, I've heard it's difficult to find one that hasn't been sporterized. And running-man was joking about scoping it, but that made me curious so I looked and could find no mention of the military scoping theirs.

It's a very nice looking old Warrior Blicero.

[Blicero]

Oh yeah, this dog'll hunt 
What a lovely rifle. Sweet trigger. Sexy walnut looks glorious in the sun. Accurate as hell. Not bad for a 114 year old piece of technology. The 30-40 had a bit more kick than I remember.

[Loose}{Cannon]

Nice!

You even broke out a 5 spot for that group!!   

[Blicero]

After having to buy 30-40 ammo, it's amazing I had any money left. It's the first time I've ever considered ammo prices in a mortgage payment per round ratio.

[Loose}{Cannon]

Hell to the no!     Sell sell sell!

You shot it... Now its time for it to go go go.  Out!

Just say no to this Graig thing!

[K-9]

Beautiful!

I agree.  You shot it. Now....  Flip it.  Or see what you could get for it.