Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of a Springfield Krag–Jørgensen Carbine, which began life as a full length M1896 rifle, and since then looks to have had a long history. It measures approximately 41¼ inches (1,048 mm) in overall length with a 21¾-inch (552 mm) barrel, and still has an intact saddle ring and sight guard barrel band.

We are not sure why it was converted to a carbine, but it was definitely done at arsenal, as the muzzle of the barrel has the crown on the edges, and was not simply cut down. It was fitted with a new stock, front sight, and rear sight. Looking at the top of the barrel, it looks like it at one time had a longer M1899 hand guard installed, most likely with the correct rear sight. This was later removed, a M1892 rifle rear sight fitted, and a barrel band sight guard installed. The handguard was either replaced, or modified into the handguard that is equipped now. The front sight fitted is an M1903 Springfield type. Really an interesting example!

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 47507 dates to year of manufacture of 1896, the second half of the year, which is part of U.S. Fiscal Year 1897. All model 1896 rifles and carbines were produced 1898 and prior, and are federally considered Pre-1899 Antique Firearms by the BATF. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, and inside is the correct three piece cleaning rod, and even an original oiler! We almost never receive these with the original cleaning tools, and they definitely look to have been in there for quite some time! The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver, surrounding the M1892 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.

The stocks are really very good condition, showing very little wear, though the lower stock does show some cracking near the nose and also between the saddle-ring bolster and magazine. The handguard has a lovely cherry red color, probably having been fit sometime in the early 20th century, while the lower stock has a lovely red brown color, only achieved after decades. This is the usual color seen on the linseed oil dipped walnut used by the U.S. armories during the period. It also has some fantastic flame figuring on both sides for the entire length, with some great chatoyancy.

The metalwork condition is very good with a lightly worn gray patina to the receiver area, while the barrel still retains much of the original blued finish. The bolt is still bright steel, and the ejector on top still has a good amount of the blue-purple "niter blued" finish, with the rest faded to gray. The saddle ring bar is present on the left side of the stock, with an intact saddle ring.

The action works relatively well, though it does get a bit stuck right as the firing pin retainer enters the bottom rear of the receiver. It looks like some work was done on the bolt due to this, but was not entirely successful. It does have a crisp dry fire, and the magazine follower and cutoff off work well, though we have no way to check to see if the magazine still feeds. The safety on the bolt is also currently not able to be engaged. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear, making this a really nice example.

A very nice example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, arsenal converted to a cavalry carbine. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 21¾ Inches
Overall Length: 41¼ Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine