The Krag is a Norwegian design and the action was used by Norway (6.5X55), Danmark (8mm), and the US in .30-40.
The first US model is the 1892. Most of these were converted to the 1894 configuration and a true 92 is a rare and valuable rifle. the 94 is not common. The 1896 is fairly common and some consider its action to be the best but the differences are trivial. The 1898 is by far the most readily available and I really don't see it giving up anything to the '96. The bore and groove dimensions tend to be more precise on the '98. Real issue carbines are rare and expensive. Arsenal converted "carbines" for civilian sales exist and are less expensive. Intact infantry rifles are the most common originals but Bubba conversions and Milo Parkenfarker specials seem to be even more common. Rifles refitted with shortened and rechambered 1903 Springfield barrels also seem fairly common.
As for issue sights there is a plethora and it isn't simple. The most precise is the 1901 which is a version of the Buffington on the 1884 Trapdoor and is the forerunner of the sight used on the 1903 Springfield. The rest are notch or open sight and most are adustable for windage with one strange variant that has a flip up small peep attached to the rear sight. These sights require good eyesight. For aftermarket sights there were several with some that do not require drilling the action (Redfield Mod 70 and 80 for instance). The Rice is a really neat sight made of folded metal that fits on top of the extractor bar and is adjustable for elevation and windage and that uses an existing screw or rivit hole to attach.
So if looking for a shooter I would be just as delighted with a '96 as a '98 especially with bullets cast to fit the barrel. If thinking about collecting, well then there's a lot more too it.
Jerry Liles
Last edited by WJL; 05/23/14 10:15 PM.
