I think that U.S. Krags were popular sporting conversions because the rifles/carbines regularly sold for less than $10, so nearly anyone could afford one. Also, 30-40 Krag hunting ammo was widely available and powerful enough for bear, elk, and moose in addition to deer. When I was a kid, mil-spec and sporterized U.S. Krags were commonly seen in used gun racks everywhere in New England. Until 1983 I had a sporterized U.S. Krag that was 'smithed by Vermont gunsmith Wilbur Hauck and currently have a sporterized Norwegian Krag in 6.5x55.
