I was at a local gun shop and I spied an 1898 Krag... basically in very good condition... they wanted $729 for it... a friend (who is not a gunsmith) figured it had been refinished, the bluing was perfect, and the stock only had minor imperfections, with no flaking...

I looked it up in my book, and it showed $1600 for the gun... if its worth that much I'll go buy it... if not then I'll let it pass... it sure is a nice gun though... Thanks in advance..

The prices of Krags keeps going up. It depends on whether it is a rifle or carbine and if it has been refinished. What is the condition of the bore? The price of $729.00 might not be too bad and seems more realistic than $1,600.00. That rifle would sell for about $700.00 around here. If you really like it, my recommendation would be to haggle a bit on the price and grab it. If you change your mind later you could sell or trade it. All the best...
Gil

matt,
I have seen them in original condition anywhere from $950 to $1300 depending on year, rifle or carbine, seller's hubris etc. Like any other classic, if it has been redone, it isn't worth as much as an original. Sounds like you have a homework project on your hands. Good luck. Very neat rifles. My wife has her grandfather's carbine. It has been reblued and restocked and has a sharp and shiny bore. Not worth much other than sentimental value. But like I said, they are neat rifles.

Sorry Mattsbox99,
I can't help you on the value. I have a good friend that inherited a original Krag rifle from his grandfather.
I handload and he does not. We get together once in a long while and shoot it with mild loads. The battle sights are "spot on" with Hornaday 220 grain round nosers.
It is much fun to handle and shoot!
Look to others for value. I am not a collector.
Cheezywan

I decided to pass on it... it is a rifle, and it does have the original stock and barrel. I would much rather have a military rifle I could shoot... I'm not much of a collector...