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 41 ⅝ inches (1,057 mm) in overall length with a 22-inch (560 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 rear sight fitted, and a barrel band sight guard installed. The handguard was either replaced, or modified into the handguard that is equipped now. 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 86306 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. All model 1896 rifles and carbines were produced prior to 1899, and are federally considered antiques. 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 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 in great condition, showing very little wear, and they have a great dark red brown color. This is only achieved after decades, and seen on the linseed oil dipped walnut used by the U.S. armories during the period. The stock is still marked with a nice circled P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a clear "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1898, for inspector J. S. Adams. This is most likely from when the stock was originally produced, and not from the conversion, which probably happened during the early 20th century.

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 smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with slight oxidation on the bright areas. It cycles well, with a crisp dry fire, and functional magazine cutoff and bolt safety. The magazine opens, though it sticks a bit when the follower is retracting. 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: 1897
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 ⅝ 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.