Springfield Armory 1898 Krag .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1904 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1814.93

LSB#: 211002NI95

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1898 Krag

Serial Number: 479582

Year of Manufacture: 1903 to 1904 (see page 237 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 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.  479582”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “S11” and “5”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a small “D” and with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a boxed inspector’s cartouche “JSA / 1902” (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 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 “4B 3 2 1” 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 “1-20”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, barrel band, nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, thinning, and light surface erosion. The nosecap & barrel band show scrapes and light surface erosion. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined. There is light erosion throughout the bore. There are patches of more prominent erosion in the bore. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.2.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and surface erosion. The trigger guard shows thinning and scrapes from aggressive cleaning. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.

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 1898 Krag Rifle was made at the end of Krag production in late 1903 or early 1904. It is one of many 1898 Krag Rifles that were produced after November of 1903 which was the “official” end of production date.
This Krag has been refinished but still has deep markings on the receiver and on the stock which add to its history. This Krag has some cosmetic issues, but the metal should clean up some with a bit of effort. This Model 1898 Krag is almost 120 years old but can still do lots of work out at the range. Good luck.