Springfield 1896 Krag .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle Bayonet Antique No FFL
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 210918MW06
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1896 Krag
Serial Number: 87210
Year of Manufacture: February, 1898 (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. 87210”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “E” and the bottom is marked “7”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a faded “boxed” inspector’s cartouche. The base of the Model 1892 Bayonet blade is marked ”U.S.” on one side and “1898” on the other. These marks are faded. The sling is marked “W.K.G.” next to each end claw and with a faded circular stamping.
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, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and surface erosion. The nosecap and barrel band shows scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many 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: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The lands are light grey and the grooves are dark. The rifling is well defined; shallow at the muzzle. There is erosion in the bore; heavier in the grooves and at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of greater than 5. Our gauge tops out at 5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its current metal finish. The metal has been treated with cold blue. Scratches and surface erosion show through the cold blue finish. Oxidation is bleeding through the cold blue finish causing discoloration. The metal shows other scrapes & scratches. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as an 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: The rifle comes with a Model 1892 Bayonet & belt Scabbard. The bayonet metal shows scrapes, small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The wood shows scratches and surface loss. The bayonet is in about Good condition. The scabbard shows surface erosion, pitting, dents, and a separation along the edge. It is in about Fair condition.
The rifle comes with a leather sling. It shows scrapes, surface loss, surface cracking, and discoloration on the leather. It shows oxidation and small scratches on the metal. Overall it is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1896 Krag was made back in February of 1898. It is over 120 years old but still has nice markings on the receiver. The wood has been oiled and the metal has been treated with cold blue so the rifle looks pretty good for its age. It comes with the correct Model 1892 Bayonet & Scabbard. This 1896 Krag will add to your Military collection and can still do plenty of work out at the range. It’s an antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.