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 measures was 49 inches (1,200 mm) in overall length weighing 9.3 pounds with a 30-inch (760 mm) 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 95060 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 is an updated M1901 type and meets the front edge of the receiver, surrounding an updated M1901 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, such as this example. It however looks to have the original stock, with the correct bevel around the cocking handle. It does look to have been arsenal reconditioned, which has made the original markings faint. The "boxed" inspection cartouche on the left side of the stock is just a "ghost", however there is still a strong stylized P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing.

Condition is very good with a lightly worn gray patina to the metalwork, while the bolt is still mostly the original bright steel, stained a bit with old dried grease. The butt plate does have some light rusting and past pitting overall. The stock and handguard are in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and small dings and scratches from service. There is a bit of staining near the butt plate, and also a crack running from the receiver tang down into the wrist area, a common place to see them on rifles that have seen service

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with slight oxidation on the bright areas. The bore is in good condition, mostly bright with rifling visible, however it is definitely worn. There is also just a bit of light pitting in areas. This is a rifle that definitely saw use while in service.

A very nice 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: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine