Item:
ON7414

Original U.S. Springfield M1896 .30-40 Krag-Jørgensen Rifle Serial 66944 with 1902 Sight - Made in 1897

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice very mid-production (1897) Krag M1896 Rifle. 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:

U.S.
MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 66944

Research reveals that serial number 66944 dates the time of manufacture to the first half of 1897, which is technically part of fiscal year 1897.  It still has the original circled "P" proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver fitted with an updated 1902 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.

Condition is very good, with a lot of the original finish present, with the usual wear around the magazine door and bolt. The stock and handguard are in good condition, and have a nice matching deep red walnut color, though there have been some repairs around the woodline on the forestock. The stock shows minor handling marks and very light impressions in some areas. Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in very good condition. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with a bit of oxidation on the bright areas. Bore is bright, with clear lands and grooves. There is a little bit of rounding on the lands, so this rifle definitely did see some use, but is overall in great shape.

A great rifle complete with an original period sling, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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