The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I usually don't like to post a prospective buy without some good photos, but this rifle is at the local gun shop and I don't even have a cell phone picture of it. Here is the description:

U.S. Springfield 1898 Krag full length rifle with original matching sling and matching bayonet
Stock: 90%; minor dents and dings with good original oil finish
Receiver and barrel finish: 80% with a dark brown patina; no surface rust
Bore: Fair to good; minor pitting but strong rifling still visible
Headspace: Good on a field gauge
Asking price: $1500

This is a really nice rifle that I would like to add to my collection. I think the dealer will negotiate to some degree, but he claims it is unusual to find one in this condition with matching accessories. I've looked at some on Gunbroker and the good ones seem to be priced lower than the one I am looking at, albeit without the nice accessories. Any of you Krag owners out there, I would appreciate your opinions. Thanks in advance.

We have one in the shop now. Sold one last week for $1000.00. The bayonet and scabbard is worth 4 to $500 easy.

Wow I paid $200 for each of mine with the bayonets, Reagan was still The Man. To own a piece of history how much would you pay? How much is it worth to you to have something that assaulted the San Juan heights, or clipped Boxers in China. If I didn't have mine and I had the 1500 I would drop it and eat ramen for a year.

I paid $900 for my rifle, however it did not come with the bayonet and I had to buy a couple of them later. I also had to find a correct rear sight for it.

I had seen a couple listed in gun shows for $1500 but passed on them. I eventually was able to find a really nice one for $750 but no bayonet.

The Krag is a sweet shooter, but don't expect .30-06 level punch from it. Still a popular deer rifle, many were sported back in the first half of the 20th. You will want to reload for this one, commercial ammo is available but at steep prices. Sling and cartridge belt will be another $400-$500 for originals, around $150 for repops. This was the service rifle at a time when the USA was just stepping out onto the world stage. Going with the Krag design may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but the Spanish quickly introduced us to the value of the Mauser design and it's quick loading charger clips and it's hard hitting cartridges.

Start with a reasonable offer and go up. Bring Cash as that saves the Credit Card fee. Good luck!

Ironnewt wrote:Start with a reasonable offer and go up. Bring Cash as that saves the Credit Card fee. Good luck!

Show him nine bills and see what he counters.

My 1898 Krag is my favorite rifle to shoot. It is a wonderful rifle! If you plan to shoot it much, I hope you reload. The sling and bayonet as previously mentioned do add value! I agree with making an offer of $900 and seeing where it goes from there.

I'll also add, you might want to ask the gentlemen over at the Krag Collectors Association Forum. They know nearly everything there is to know about Krags. They are really great guys.

ksbanker wrote:My 1898 Krag is my favorite rifle to shoot. It is a wonderful rifle! If you plan to shoot it much, I hope you reload. The sling and bayonet as previously mentioned do add value! I agree with making an offer of $900 and seeing where it goes from there.

Yes; I do reload several military calibers including .303 British, 7.62x54r and M2 Ball (.30-06) for the M1 Garand. I can't even find .30-40 Krag commercially around here. I probably would have to order it on the internet from SG Ammo or similar. I have examined this rifle closely, and I don't think the bore condition warrants a $1500 price tag. If he won't come down substantially, I will probably pass on this one.

If you are buying it as a shooter it is too high being the bore is in question. If you are buying it as a collectible it is priced right.

Longcolt44 wrote:If you are buying it as a shooter it is too high being the bore is in question. If you are buying it as a collectible it is priced right.

That's a good point. The exterior of this rifle is so nice that any collector would cherish it. I am not a serious collector (have always called myself a "casual collector") and there is just not much that I have that I don't shoot. This particular Springfield Krag rifle should probably remain in it's present condition without further firing in the interest of preserving it's collector value. I am still undecided at this point, but thanks a lot for your input.

Was there a decision on this one?

Ironnewt wrote:Was there a decision on this one?

I think he is asking too much. I may make an offer if he hasn't sold it by year's end.

Be patient and keep looking,good ones are out there for 600-900.

Found these pics on a FB Louisville history page. I wonder if your Krag was one of these.

I would think everything would have to be in excellent condition at that price. I got really good deals on the Krags I bought. I paid less than $100 for my bayonet and scabbard--but they both have some pitting. I would think one in excellent shape would cost $150-200. Rifle in good condition would be $700-750. Excellent condition (most of the bluing present, sharp markings on stock, wood in very good shape, correct parts) might fetch a grand or more. I'm not sure about the slings, but originals can be expensive.

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