Springfield Model 1896 Krag .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle 1897 Antique No FFL

SOLD FOR: $1357.07

LSB#: 210721TS31

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1896 Krag

Serial Number: 82480

Year of Manufacture: December, 1897 (see page 233 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer)

Caliber: 30-40 Krag

Action Type: Bolt Action, Fed by Side Mounted Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 82480”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “A” and “F”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked “4” and with a “circled P” proof. The right side of the butt is marked “”A.L. / 100”. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a faded “boxed” inspector’s cartouche “JSA / 1898” (J.S. Adams, see page 60 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer).

Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “3 4 5 6” for use with the escalator. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder that uses a sliding “U” notched blade. The ladder is marked from “7-18”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, nosecap with bayonet lug, barrel band, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The nosecap and barrel band shows scrapes and discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. This stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are grey. The rifling is well defined. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish, as refinished. Oxidation shows through the new finish. The magazine has surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The front of the barrel shows light surface erosion. The trigger guard was not refinished. It shows scratches, thinning and discoloration. The screw heads show use. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refinished antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1896 Krag was made back in December of 1897. The rifle has since been refinished. This Krag is over 120 years old but still has nice deep markings on the receiver. It looks impressive for its age and the bore is still good enough to do plenty of work out at the range. This Model 1896 Krag will add to your Military collection. It’s an antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.