Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition early production (1897) Springfield Krag-Jørgensen 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. Unlike many we see, it was not later upgraded as the design evolved.

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.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 84021 dates the time of manufacture to the end of 1897, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1898. This was not long before the M1898 was patterned and the markings on the receiver changed. 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, surrounding the correct M1896 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. Many were later modified / updated with new sights, however this example is ALL ORIGINAL. It still has the original stock, with the correct bevel around the cocking handle. The stock is also still marked with a nice circled P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a somewhat faint "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1896, for inspector J. S. Adams.

Condition is very good with the metalwork showing much of the original finish, with some areas now faded to a lovely gray patina. There is some staining but no major peppering, and the ejector even still has a lot of the original "niter bluing" present. The stock and handguard are in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and some great grain visible. There are just a few scuffs from stacking and storage, and there is a small chunk of wood missing near the cocking handle inlet.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with light oxidation staining on the bright areas. The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. It does not look to have seen any large amount of use during its service life.

A lovely example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, which replaced the legendary Springfield Trapdoor. 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

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.