Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice late-production (1897) Krag 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. This example was further updated at arsenal, with an M1898 model sight and handguard, though we do not think any other updates were made.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 86253 dates the time of manufacture to the second half of 1897, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1898, just before the model 1898 was patterned. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver fitted with the upgraded M1898 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 slight wear around the magazine door and bolt. The stock and handguard are in good condition, and have a nice aged walnut color, though there is wear, and a few small chunks. However, the stock cartouches are CLEAR, and the JSA / 1896 cartouche on the wrist is fully legible. This indicates inspection by J.S. Adams, and the stylized P overpressure proof under the wrist is just as clear.

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. Bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a bright finish, though the lands are a bit rounded. Probably rates an 8 out of 10. 

A great example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, complete with rare visible cartouches. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
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.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship these to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.