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 stored in a butt trap. The front cleaning rod was removed, and the groove in the stock filled with a wood plug, such as on this example. Other examples we have seen have had 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 20939 dates to time of manufacture of later 1895, the second year of production. Due to the U.S. fiscal year starting in July, this was considered 1896 in Springfield Armory records. 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 crisp circled "P" proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a faint "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1895, for inspector J. Sumner Adams, Master Armorer at Springfield.

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 the correct M1896 handguard, which meets the front edge of the receiver surrounding the 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 much of the original finish retained on the barrel, now faded to plum, while the receiver and magazine area shows a lovely mottled patina. Overall, there are just a few areas of light peppering. 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, and the safety is present and fully functional as well. The rear sight works well, and the front sight is intact. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some wear and just a bit of past oxidation present in a few areas.

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 a lovely red-brown color to the walnut. We do not see any cracks or repairs but there are definitely dents, dings, and small gouges, consistent with long use in service.

A very good 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

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 most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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 most addresses within the United States.