Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare early production (1895) Krag M1892 Rifle. It measures was 49 inches (1,200 mm) in overall length weighing 9.3 pounds with a 30-inch (760 mm) barrel. M1892 Krag Rifles had a magazine cut off that operated in the up position. M1892s can also be identified by the single-piece cleaning rod stored under the barrel. Interestingly, because it took two years to retool for production, model 1892 Krags have receivers dated "1894." Most of the M1892 rifles were then later arsenal reconditioned to the Model 1896 configuration.

This example is one of those reconditioned to the M1896 configuration in arsenal. This involved changing the magazine cutoff to one that operates in down position, and adding three-piece cleaning rod is stored in a butt trap. The front cleaning rod was removed, and the groove in the stock filled with a wood plug, or the stock was replaced outright. An improved rear sight and tighter production tolerances gave better accuracy. The stock was also altered slightly (made thicker).

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 13124 dates to year of manufacture of 1895, the second year of production, during the first half of the year, which is part of U.S. Fiscal Year 1895. It has the correct second pattern front barrel band with double straps on top, the later bolt with the extractor with pin and the receiver has also been altered for the extractor pin. It has a nice circled "P" proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a clear "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1899, for inspector J. Sumner Adams, Master Armorer at Springfield. It looks like this rifle may have had the stock replaced at arsenal after the initial conversion to a Model 1896 due to damage.

The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. The barrel has been fitted with an updated model 1896 rear sight, and unfortunately the handguard was removed at some point, probably to fit on another gun in arsenal. 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 much of the original finish retained on the metalwork, though it is now faded to a worn plum gray patina in some areas on the barrel. The receiver shows a mottled look. The rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire, though we have no way to test to see whether the magazine still feeds correctly. The magazine cutoff is present and functional, though the safety is missing. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a bright finish. There is only light wear, indicating it did not see excessive use while in service.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in very good condition. The stock is in good condition, showing wear from service, and still has a very nice color to the walnut. There does look to be a repaired crack on the left side of the stock near the trigger guard. There is also a chunk missing on the top left butt stock by the butt plate.

A very nice example of a late 19th century U.S. service rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1895
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