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, or the stock was replaced outright, as with this example. 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 23120 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 now 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.

This was fitted with an entirely new M1896-M1898 stock at arsenal, with the smooth bevel around the cocking handle. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is frozen shut, and most likely empty. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver fitted with a model 1896 rear sight, with the correct handguard. 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 rifle has many nickel plated parts, and we can see traces of a copper "flash coat" on some other components, so we believe this rifle was set up for parade / drill use in the early 20th century. The stock was reconditioned and varnished, removing the original inspection proofs. It probably was then used for years, maybe even decades, during which the nickel on many components flaked off, and the parts were then blued to maintain appearance. This rifle has definitely led an interesting life!

Overall condition is quiet good, and shows a combination of a peppered blued patina and aged nickel plating. Some parts, such as the butt plate and barrel, show a bit of surface rust and light surface pitting. The bolt, magazine floor plate, and barrel bands still have lots of the original plating. The stock looks lovely due to the refinishing, and we cannot see any major damage, cracks, etc.

Both sling swivels are present and in very good condition, with the stacking swivel removed. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with a bit of oxidation on the bright areas. The bore on this example is unfortunately quite worn, and shows that it saw much use without proper cleaning. This would be consistent with a drill / parade rifle, often used to fire blanks during salutes, and rarely cleaned after use.

A very interesting example of the standard turn of the 20th 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

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.