Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition late production (1898) Springfield Krag-Jørgensen M1896 Rifle, the standard U.S. Long arm of the time. It measures was 49 inches (1,200 mm) in overall length weighing 9.3 pounds with a 30-inch (760 mm) barrel.

The The Springfield Model 1892–99 Krag–Jørgensen rifle is a Norwegian-designed bolt-action rifle that was adopted in 1892 as the standard United States Army military longarm, chambered in U.S. caliber .30-40 Krag. All versions and variants were manufactured under license by the Springfield Armory between 1892 and 1903 and famously served as the longarm during the Spanish–American War. Although Krags were popular, unique and efficient, the side loading gate mechanism was slow and cumbersome to reload in combat compared to the clip loaded Spanish Mausers the Krag was up against.

The M1896 rifle differs from the earlier M1892 version, in that the magazine cut-off operates in down position and a three-piece cleaning rod is stored in a butt trap. It also had an improved rear sight and tighter production tolerances to give better accuracy when compared to its predecessor.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 92095 dates the time of manufacture to the first half of 1898, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1898. This was not long before the M1898 was patterned and the markings on the receiver changed. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which actually still has an original three piece cleaning rod inside! We very rarely get examples that still have this present.

The rear handguard however is unfortunately not present, so the replaced Model 1901 pattern rear sight does not have anything surrounding it to protect the hand from getting burnt when adjusting the sight. We also have noticed that the rear sight has a C on the left side and on the ladder, so it is in fact a rear sight for a carbine.

These are very desirable as a U.S. military service rifle, as most of these rifles saw heavy use in the Spanish-American War and early 1900s until the development of the M1903 rifle. Many were later modified / updated with new sights, such as this example. It however looks to have the original stock, with the correct bevel around the cocking handle. It does look to have had a repair on the left side above the trigger guard, which unfortunately removed the original inspection cartouche. However, it still has a strong stylized P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing.

Condition is very good with a lightly worn mottled gray patina to the receiver area, while the barrel still retains much of the original blued finish. The bolt has the same mottled look as the receiver, as does the ejector on top, and the butt plate is in a similar condition, with just a bit of peppering. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and small dings and scratches from service, as well as a repair by the rear left receiver.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with slight oxidation on the bright areas. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. However there definitely is some wear, as well as removed past oxidation, so this is definitely a rifle that saw a good amount of service.

A very nice example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber:  .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine