Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early-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:
MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 62971
Research reveals that serial number 62971 dates the time of manufacture to January-February 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, though unfortunately the cleaning rod is not present. Also, the wooden spring-clip retained handguard normally installed around the 1896 model rear sight has been removed. 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.
This example in particular has a rare cocking piece assembly, with a straight knurled cocking knob on the rear of the bolt, instead of the usual flared knob. This short-lived change was the brain child of LT. T.C. DICKSON in 1899 in an attempt to reduce the production cost over the well known "Knob" Cocking piece. As it turned it out, it was found to be "MORE" expensive to manufacture than the older type, as well as much harder to use. After only one year it was abandoned and the old cocking piece re-introduced.
Condition is very good to excellent, with a lot of the original finish present, with the usual wear around the magazine door and bolt. The stock is in very good condition, with a beautiful grain and dark red-brown color. The stock shows minor handling marks and very light impressions in some areas, but the oiled finish is still in great shape, and very attractive. 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. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. Definitely one of the better bores we have seen on these rifles.
A classic U.S. military rifle with some interesting features, 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.
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship these to the United Kingdom.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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