Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition late production (1898) Springfield Krag-Jørgensen M1896 Rifle, the standard U.S. Long arm of the time. It is in a short rifle configuration, and measures 46 1/4 inches in overall length with a 24-inch 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 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 107091 dates the time of manufacture to the first half of 1898, 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 of these were later modified, such as this example, which has been shortened by 6 inches to more of a "short" rifle, possibly for artillery use. The barrel is now 24 inches long, just a bit too long for a "carbine". We did check, and it is still able to mount the correct bayonet, so the muzzle of the barrel was properly turned down, and the front sight re-attached. The rifle still looks to have 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.

Condition is very good, and it looks like the metalwork may have been phosphate refinished when the rifle was shortened. It now has a dark gray matte finish overall, which is well retained except on the butt plate, which looks to not have been refinished. The stock and handguard are in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and some great grain visible. They look to have been lacquer finished in the past, which now has a lovely "checked' pattern on much of the stock area due to degradation of the finish over time. Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape.

The action works smoothly, with a functional safety, and the magazine cutoff looks to be fully functional. The bore is in good condition, with a bright finish and somewhat worn lands and grooves. It definitely looks to have seen a good amount of service during its lifetime.

A very interesting shortened example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber:  .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 43 1/4 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine