Rendering an 1896 Krag action into the 1898 model

[Naphtali]

Can an 1896 Krag action become an 1898 action? If it can, what need be done? Is the upgrade strictly a parts swap, or must the receiver be altered?

[bob208]

receiver must be altered around where the bolt handle closes in. the 96 is flared out the 98 is just a straight cut in the receiver. it would maybe easier to alter the 98 stock to fit the 96 receiver. I have seen that done.

[Bob S]

Seriously ... don't mess with the receiver.

Resp'y,
Bob S.

[uscra112]

Why? There's nothing wrong with a '96 action. The '98 is no better, functionally.

[bob208]

one thing I did not cover. on the whole the receivers are the same except for the cut out around the bolt notch. I have a 92 receiver that was rebuilt with 96 parts. and a 96 that was upgraded to 98 sights. but there is noting to be gained grinding on the receivers.

[Shiloh]

Krag's have a hard, brittle heat treatment. The 1898 actions is a MUCH stronger action. Why not leave it as is?? I saw photos of an 1898 Krag action
modified into a pump action on Gun Broker.


Shiloh

[savagetactical]

Please do not ruin the value of a good Krag action, just find a 1898 if thats what you want.

[gnoahhh]

Krag's have a hard, brittle heat treatment. The 1898 actions is a MUCH stronger action. Why not leave it as is?? I saw photos of an 1898 Krag action
modified into a pump action on Gun Broker.




Shiloh

I'm surprised to hear that an 1898 action is much stronger. Where did you learn that tidbit of erroneous info? The metallurgy didn't change at all from beginning to end of Krag manufacture- at least no mention of it anywhere in Mallory, Brophy, or any other reference book I have.

[missionary5155]

Greetings
As for me I would rather have a 96... far more possible it was used in Cuba by one of the regular Army regiments.
Mike in Peru

[gnoahhh]

My reason for liking '96's is simple: they can be mailed directly to a non-FFL, whereas most '98's can't be.

[madsenshooter]

I have seen a 96 receiver that had the bolt channel cut off by someone that wanted to put it in a 98 stock. Must've been a fellow with more metalworking skills than woodworking skills. It was on gunbroker, I noted the lack of bolt channel, but 1896 on the receiver.