Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the very hard to find Springfield Model 1896 Krag–Jørgensen Carbine, which still has an intact saddle ring and sight guard. It is in very good honest condition, with no signs of an arsenal recondition or other restoration / refinishing efforts. It has a lovely gently worn patina of age from decades of careful cleaning and storage.

It measures approximately 41 inches (1,042 mm) in overall length with a 22-inch (560 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 Model 1896 is an improvement over the original 1892 model. It had a magazine cut-off operated in the down position had a cleaning rod that was stored in the butt trap, which mean that even the carbine model would have a cleaning rod. The production tolerances were also improved, resulting in an overall better firearm.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 67661 dates to year of manufacture of 1897, the second half of the year, which is part of U.S. Fiscal Year 1898. Springfield Armory produced 14122 M1896 carbines this year. All model 1896 rifles and carbines were produced 1898 and prior, and are federally considered Pre-1899 antiques.

The Carbine Model 1896 features features the later bolt with the extractor with pin and the receiver is machined to work with the pin. The carbine was updated at some point with a Model 1901 adjustable rear sight, which has a C on the left side, indicating it is the correct carbine version. It has also been fitted with the correct rear hand guard to fit the sight, which has a carved in rear sight guard. This was very helpful in preventing damage to the sight, and kept it from getting tangled in the rigging. It still has the original barrel band present, and still features the original 22 inch barrel, with no evidence of being a converted rifle. There is however no saddle-ring bar installed on the left side of the stock, definitely an interesting variation.

Metal condition is very good, with the original finish having faded to a lovely worn mottled patina, with no sign of major rust or other issues. It has the look of a turn of the century service rifle that was in use for decades. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of overall haze. There definitely wear to the lands, which are now rounded. The carbine cycles nicely, and appears to be fully functional, though we have no way to test the feed mechanism. The magazine cutoff is present and looks to be functional.

The stocks are in very good condition and have the lovely dark red brown color only seen on aged oiled walnut. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is unfortunately empty. The stock does show chips, gouges, and other dents consistent with long service, while the hang guard is missing a chunk on the rear left, and has some cracking on the front right.

A great chance to pick up a hard to find U.S. military carbine with some interesting featuers! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine