Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition early Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen rifle, manufactured in 1897 and retaining the early Model 1896 configuration rather than having been updated as the design evolved. The Krag was the standard U.S. military service rifle of the period and represented the Army’s transition from the single-shot Springfield “Trapdoor” to a small-bore, smokeless-powder, bolt-action repeating rifle.

The standard Model 1896 rifle measures approximately 49 inches (1,245 mm) in overall length, weighs approximately 9.3 pounds, and is fitted with a 30-inch (762 mm) barrel.

The U.S. Krag-Jørgensen was based on a Norwegian-designed bolt-action rifle adopted by the United States Army in 1892 and chambered for the U.S. .30-40 Krag cartridge. The American Krag rifles and carbines were manufactured under license at Springfield Armory and served as important U.S. military arms during the Spanish-American War and the years that followed. The Krag was the first effective repeating rifle adopted by the U.S. military, and its most recognizable feature is the side-opening magazine gate, which allowed five loose cartridges to be loaded directly into the magazine.

Although the Krag was well regarded for its exceptionally smooth action and distinctive loading system, its magazine was slower to replenish during sustained combat than the charger-loaded Mauser rifles encountered by American forces during the Spanish-American War. The experience contributed to the development and eventual adoption of the Model 1903 Springfield rifle.

The Model 1896 incorporated several changes from the earlier Model 1892 pattern. These included a revised magazine cutoff, a three-piece cleaning rod stored in the butt trap, an improved rear sight, and refinements intended to improve production consistency and accuracy.

The receiver is clearly marked:

U.S.
MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 61525

Serial number 61525 falls within the Springfield Armory production range assigned to U.S. fiscal year 1897, which at the time ran from July 1896 through June 1897. Springfield Armory production records list serial numbers 32,648 through 64,557 within that fiscal-year range, although the published serial-number dates are approximate. As a firearm manufactured in 1897, this rifle qualifies as an Antique Firearm under current U.S. federal law. Federal regulations define an antique firearm as including any firearm manufactured in or before 1898.

The rifle retains the Model 1896-pattern stock configuration. It is fitted with the correct style of solid, smooth steel buttplate with a curved toe and an integral butt trap. The butt trap is currently empty. The handguard extends to the forward edge of the receiver and surrounds the correct Model 1896-pattern rear sight. Many Krag rifles saw extensive military use during and after the Spanish-American War, while others were later altered or updated with revised sights and other components as the design evolved. This example retains its early configuration, including the early-pattern stock with the correct relief bevel around the cocking piece. We see no indication that the stock has been replaced.

The underside of the stock bears a clear circled P proof behind the trigger guard. This marking indicates that the rifle passed its required firing proof. Only a faint “ghost” of the original inspection cartouche remains on the left side of the stock. This cartouche would most likely have originally included the JSA initials associated with Springfield Armory inspector J. S. Adams. The right side of the buttstock is additionally marked:

1 No. 2

The metalwork remains in very good overall condition. The barrel retains much of its original blued finish, while other areas, including the receiver, have faded to an attractive gray patina. There is scattered staining but no significant peppered oxidation. The ejector even retains a small amount of its original fire-blue or “niter blue” finish. Overall, the metalwork displays a pleasing, naturally aged appearance, with no evidence of major restoration or excessive cleaning. The bright-finished areas show oxidation staining consistent with extended age and use.

The walnut stock and handguard remain in very good condition and display the deep reddish-brown coloration associated with aged, oil-finished walnut. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point, which likely contributed to the fading of the original inspection cartouche. The buttplate now stands slightly proud of the surrounding stock, indicating that some wood was removed during refinishing. Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel remain present and are in good condition.

The action operates smoothly, and the components retain a pleasing aged finish. The magazine cutoff moves through its positions, and the ejector presents correctly. The side magazine door opens easily, and the follower spring remains intact. The rifle produces a strong dry-fire release, and the bolt-mounted safety operates as intended. The magazine, feeding, and extraction systems were not tested with cartridges or cartridge cases, so no representation is made regarding the rifle’s ability to chamber, feed, extract, or eject ammunition. The bore is in good condition, retaining a mostly bright surface with clearly defined lands and grooves. There is evidence of previous oxidation and fouling that has since been cleaned, while wear to the lands is consistent with substantial service use.

The included leather sling is a correct military-style example and remains very well preserved. It retains both the small and large leather keeper loops, as well as the brass attachment stud. The leather displays expected finish wear and has developed an attractive dark-brown coloration. Also included is a brass muzzle protector that installs easily and displays an even, mellow mustard-colored patina. Both accessories complement the rifle well, although no documentation is present to establish that they were originally issued with this particular rifle.

This is an appealing early Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen rifle that retains its early configuration together with a correct-style leather sling and brass muzzle protector. Its 1897 manufacture date, visible Springfield markings, substantial surviving barrel blue, smooth action, and good bore make it a particularly attractive example of the U.S. military rifle that replaced the Springfield Trapdoor and served during an important period of transition in American small-arms development.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.