Springffield Krag rear sight adjustable for windage?

[PBSmith]

I'm looking to add a rear sight to a "sporterized" 1896 model. Is the original 1896 rear sight adjustable for windage?

If not, are there after-market sights with the same 2-5/16" hole spacing that can be adjusted for windage and elevation?

[Kraschenbirn]

My '98 Springfield Krag has the same hole spacing as your 1896 and, IIRC, all Springfield Krag rear sights were adjustable for windage.

Bill

[444ttd]

make sure that they are krag rear sight screws. the screws were made in France(or something) and they ain't metric or standard screws. i have two of them and they are not for sale. the are unobtainium!!!!!

[Mk42gunner]

They are adjustable, just not like modern adjustable sights. In other words, almost the whole sight pivots for windage and the elevation is more than likely just steps for 100 yard increments for range. Depending on just which sight you have.

It almost seems like there were new sights for the Krag every few months or so. From what I remember when researching my 1899 carbine, the windage marks are supposed to be four minutes apart on the sight I have.

Robert

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Sight mounting screws, both original and replica, are available on e-bay. It is true that they are an odd thread, and nothing else fits.

DG

[Krag 1901]

Every thing yu want to know about the US Krag rear sights!
C&Rsenal comes to the rescue! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQAqNqaiQwY&t=3299s)

A complete history of the US Krag. Go to about 30:00 minutes to get the discussion of the rear sights. It is a long and detailed list of sight fulmery by Springfield Amory.

Also they have programs about all the WW1 arms from Denmark thru Serbia and more.

[444ttd]

Sight mounting screws, both original and replica, are available on e-bay. It is true that they are an odd thread, and nothing else fits.

DG

i forgot about ebay. :oops:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/154434861053?hash=item23f508f7fd:g:yd4AAOSwZc1dsiH G

[KenT7021]

Grandpa's Gun Parts has rear sights and retaining screws for the Krag.

[PBSmith]

From what I've read, only Krag sights from 1898 and forward in time are windage adjustable. 1896 and earlier sights apparently are not. Experts tell me the screw hole spacing is the same on all Krag model years.

Going on this information, I purchased a 1901 sight on ebay. After winning the auction, I felt foolish for having spent the money ($70). After I got the sight and discovered its excellent condition and the remarkable manufacturing quality I decided I made a good purchase. Such a sight today, if manufactured on American soil or elsewhere, would cost at least as much as what I paid for the rifle.

286744 286745

My Krag came with sight screws in the barrel - someone had used them as plugs for the vacant holes. Unfortunately they were not the right screws for a 1901 sight, Nor did they fit the holes in the barrel as they should. I suspect they are screws from an original 1898 sight. Then I made the interesting discovery that 8x32 machine screws fit the holes in my barrel very well. I was able to modify the heads of two fillister-head screws of that thread size and make what I believe is a good installation.

Regarding that oddball screw size mentioned in earlier posts, I suspect my Krag was either a Bannerman or an NRA gun, assembled from spare factory (armory) parts and that the barrel had not yet been drilled for sights. If this is the case, possibly either Bannerman or the NRA assemblers drilled and tapped for American thread sizes.

I don't know that this sight would be ideal for combat, but I can shoot decently enough at paper targets on an open range. The wide, blackened front blade that I made is ideal for paper work. For hunting in heavy cover or shooting in poor light I would choose a different front sight.

Thanks to all who contributed to this topic