Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of a Springfield Krag–Jørgensen Carbine, which began life as a full length M1896 rifle, and since then looks to have had a long history. It measures approximately 41 inches (1,042 mm) in overall length with a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel, and still has an intact saddle ring and sight guard.

We are not sure why it was converted to a carbine, but it was definitely done at arsenal, as the muzzle of the barrel has the correct crown for Springfield manufactured arms. It was fitted with a new stock, front sight, and rear sight. Looking at the top of the barrel, it looks like it at one time had a longer M1899 hand guard installed, most likely with the correct rear sight. This was later removed, a M1892 rear sight fitted, and a barrel band sight guard installed. The handguard was either replaced, or modified into the handguard that is equipped now. Really an interesting example!

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 Model 1896 is an improvement over the original 1892 model. It had a magazine cut-off operated in the down position had a cleaning rod that was stored in the butt trap, which mean that even the carbine model would have a cleaning rod. The production tolerances were also improved, resulting in an overall better firearm.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 27164 dates to year of manufacture of 1896, the first half of the year, which is part of U.S. Fiscal Year 1896. Per page 232 of Joe Poyer’s book, The American Krag Rifle and Carbine, the estimated manufacture date is February to April, 1896. Model 1896 Rifle & Carbine production began in December of 1895 at serial number 24919, so this was originally made as a Model 1896. It wasn't until later that "MODEL" was put before the date on the receiver. All model 1896 rifles and carbines were produced 1898 and prior, and are federally considered antiques.

Metal condition is very good, with a worn blue patina on some parts, while other parts such as the magazine door and barrel band / sight guard look to have been reblued at some point. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of oxidation haze in areas. There is a bit of wear to the lands, and it has a "muzzle erosion" rating of 2. There are not any areas of pitting, oxidation, or other major damage. The carbine cycles nicely, and appears to be fully functional, though the ejector is missing from the action.

The stocks are in very good condition and have a lovely color, though they have been arsenal reconditioned, which has removed most of the original markings. The buttstock is fitted with the correct curved butt plate with a storage compartment, which is empty. It still has a VERY faint circled P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. There are some hairline cracks running rearward from the magazine, which do show a bit of movement on the left side. There are wood graft repairs on the butt stock, one on the bottom, and one on the top by the butt plate tang. The handguard also shows damage near the front, possibly with wood removed to allow the side of the sight ramp to be seen.

A great chance to pick up a hard to find U.S. military carbine! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber:  .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine