Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare early production (1894) Krag M1892 Rifle, one of the FIRST 2000 MADE! It is in very good condition and comes complete with the original cleaning rod and oiler! 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 originally 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, which can still be seen. We removed the front barrel band to check, and it is definitely a filled channel. The sight was then changed out for a M1896 sight, along with the correct upper forestock which meets the receiver.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 1084 dates manufacture to the first half of 1894, the first several months of production, considered part of Fiscal Year 1894. It has the original style stock with the plugged cleaning rod slot, the 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. It still has a clear circled "P" proof behind the trigger guard, along with a more faint one above, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing twice, once when it was made and once when it was converted. It also has a somewhat faint "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1895, for inspector J. Sumner Adams, Master Armorer at Springfield. There is also rack number M / 49 on the spine of the butt stock.

The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap. Inside is the correct three piece cleaning rod, and even an original oiler! These are in good condition, with the nickel plating on the oiler well retained. The cleaning rod does show some oxidation. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver fitted with an upgraded model 1896 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 the original finish worn to a lovely plum patina on the barrel, with no signs of having been refinished. The receiver shows a bit more wear, but is still lovely. The stock and handguard are very attractive, with the lovely red brown color of oiled walnut on the handguard and stock. The stock shows minor handling marks and very light impressions in some areas, but has a very attractive and strong grain. 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, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some wear to the rifling, and just a few spots of past oxidation.

This is a very nice and VERY early example of the rifle that replaced the legendary Springfield Trapdoor, complete with the original butt trap accessories! In lovely condition an ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1894
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