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. 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 M1898 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 predecessors. The differences over the M1896 were mainly incremental, with changes to the sight and other parts.
Our example is stamped on the receiver:
U.S.
MODEL 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 117259
Research reveals that serial number 117259 dates the time of manufacture to about July of 1898, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1899. However it is definitely made in 1898, and considered Antique. 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 an M1896 pattern rear sight. This sight and handguard were most likely a factory leftover from model 1896 production 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 good, with lots of the original metal finish present, with some wear in places. The stock and handguard are worn and show a good amount of dents and small scratches and chips, however it has not been sanded down much, so the original cartouche by the trigger is still partly visible. The original stylized "P" on the stock under the trigger guard, is faintly present, showing the rifle passed the barrel overpressure testing.
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, and just a bit of wear. Probably an 9 out of 10, definitely one of the best we've seen.
The included Model 1892 bayonet is in very good condition, with the expected wear from age and use. The grips are good shape, and are held in place by the correct ground smooth flat-rivets, which were changed after 1899 to domed rivets. The blade is dated 1899 on the ricasso and marked U.S. on the reverse. The blade is in good condition, with a bright blade that shows signs of past pitting. The bayonet lock functions smoothly, though it can take some effort to mount the bayonet on the rifle. The scabbard shows wear and use, with a lot of the finish worn off, and a gray patina. The belt hanger is firm, as the tensioning washer is not worn out.
A great rifle complete with an original period bayonet and scabbard, 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
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.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon