Item:
ON7440

Original U.S. Springfield M1896 .30-40 Krag-Jørgensen Rifle Serial 660693 with Bayonet and Sling - Made in 1896

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice very mid-production (1896) Krag M1896 Rifle, complete with a correct 1902-dated M1892 bayonet and canvas Kerr extension gun sling. 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:

U.S.
MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 60693

Research reveals that serial number 60693 dates the time of manufacture to the the end of 1896, which is technically part of fiscal year 1897.  It still has a faint remnant of the original circled "P" proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver fitted with the correct 1896 pattern rear sight. 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.

Condition is very good, with a lot of the original metal finish present, with the usual wear around the magazine door and bolt. The stock and handguard are in good condition, and have a nice matching deep red walnut color, though the stock has definitely been sanded a bit, which has faded most markings. The stock shows handling marks and light impressions in some areas. Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in very good condition. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with a bit of oxidation on the bright areas. Bore is bright, with clear lands and grooves, with just a few areas of oxidation.

The included Model 1892 bayonet is in good condition, with the expected wear from age and use. It is dated 1902 on the ricasso and marked U.S. on the reverse. The Kerr Extension sling is most likely the model for the Springfield, and is in very good condition, with solid canvas and all fittings present and functional. We've only seen a few of these slings before, and it would most likely indicate that this rifle was in service domestically, either for training or for police use, as obsolete weapons were often dispersed to law enforcement.

A great rifle complete with an original period sling and bayonet, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
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

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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