Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice late-production (1898) Krag 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 81860 dates the time of manufacture to the second half of 1897, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1898, just before the model 1898 was patterned. At that time the fiscal years started in July of the preceding year, which can make dating these rifles problematic at times.

The stock on this rifle has a cartouche on the left wrist with a script JSA over 1901, the inspection mark for J.S. Adams, at Springfield Amory, which is seen on many Krag rifles. This, along with the very angular cut out around the cocking handle, indicates that the original stock stock was replaced with a 1902 style stock at some point. The top handguard was unfortunately lost, and the barrel is fitted with a correct 1896 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 much of the original metal finish present, with slight wear around the magazine door and bolt. The stock and handguard are in good condition, and have a nice aged walnut color, with minimal dents and/or scratches. The stylized "P" overpressure proof under the wrist is present and quite clear.

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. Bore shows lands and grooves, with a mostly bright finish, though the lands are definitely worn. Probably rates a 7 out of 10. 

The attached original sling is in good condition, though it does show use and age. It is marked DUNCAN along with an inspection mark, and is the correct M1907 type used with both the Springfield M1903 and Krag rifles. There is a very faint date mark, which we unfortunately cannot read, however other examples usually show dates in the WWI era. It still has both keeper loops, and is mostly soft. It looks to have been on this rifle for quite some time.

A great example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, complete with a rare original 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.