Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare early production (1895) Krag M1892 Rifle. It measures was 49 inches (1,200 mm) in overall length weighing 9.3 pounds with a 30-inch (760 mm) barrel. M1892 Krag Rifles had a magazine cut off that operated in the up position. M1892s can also be identified by the single-piece cleaning rod stored under the barrel. Interestingly, because it took two years to retool for production, model 1892 Krags have receivers dated "1894." Most of the M1892 rifles were then later arsenal reconditioned to the Model 1896 configuration.

This example is one of those reconditioned to the M1896 configuration in arsenal. This involved changing the magazine cutoff to one that operates in down position, and adding three-piece cleaning rod is stored in a butt trap. The front cleaning rod was removed, and the groove in the stock filled with a wood plug, such as on this example. Other examples we have seen have had the stock was replaced outright. An improved rear sight and tighter production tolerances gave better accuracy. The stock was also altered slightly (made thicker).

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 23975 dates to time of manufacture of late 1895, the second year of production. Due to the U.S. fiscal year starting in July, this was considered 1896 in Springfield Armory records. It has the correct second pattern front barrel band with double straps on top, the later bolt with the extractor with pin and the receiver has also been altered for the extractor pin. It has a nice circled "P" proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a faint "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1896, for inspector J. Sumner Adams, Master Armorer at Springfield.

The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. The barrel has been fitted with an updated Model 1896 rear sight, and the correct M1896 handguard, which meets the front edge of the receiver surrounding the 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.

Condition is very good, with much of the original finish retained on the metalwork, though it is now faded to a worn plum gray patina in some areas on the barrel. The receiver shows a mottled look, and there are a few areas of light peppering. The rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire, though we have no way to test to see whether the magazine still feeds correctly. The magazine cutoff is present and functional, and the safety is present and fully functional. The rear sight works well, though the front sight is missing the blade, easily replaced. The bore is in good condition, still showing clear lands and grooves, however there is also definitely some past oxidation on the interior due to lack of cleaning, which we were not able to easily scrub out.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in very good condition. The stock is in good condition, showing wear from service, and still has a very nice color to the walnut. We do not see any cracks or repairs but there are definitely dents, dings, and small gouges, consistent with long use in service.

A very nice example of a late 19th century U.S. service rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1895
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