Springfield 1898 Krag Carbine .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1898 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1675

LSB#: 220306RW004

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1898 Krag Carbine

Serial Number: 133349. This serial number falls within the 1898 Krag Carbine serial number range listed on page 65 of William S. Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle.

Year of Manufacture: August of 1898 (see page 234 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. 133349”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “S17” and “J”. The bottom of the grip is marked “D” and with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the front sight blade is marked “C” for Carbine. The right side of the rear sight base and top of the sight ladder are marked “C” for Carbine.

Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The pinned front sight blade is a Model 1896 Carbine sight blade. It is marked “C” on the left.
The Model 1896 Carbine rear sight is an adjustable “U” notched escalator assembly. The right side of the rear sight base is marked “C” for Carbine and the left side is mared “2 4 5 6” for use with the escalator. It flips up to become a sight ladder marked from “7-20” and “C” (page 98 & 111 of William S. Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, barrel band, sling bar with sling ring and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches and surface erosion. The left side of the stock appears to have had markings removed on the grip and butt. These areas show deep marks but have been sanded. The left side of the butt has a “L” cut into it. The bottom rear of the butt shows a repair. The handguard shows a large filled & repaired crack. The wood shows other scattered scrapes and scratches. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refurbished antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined. There is erosion in the bore. It is more prominent in the grooves and at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.

Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish. The metal has been treated with cold blue but most of the cold blue has also been lost. The metal shows scrapes, scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: None

Our Assessment: This Model 1898 Krag Carbine was produced back in August of 1898. It uses a Model 1896 Carbine front sight blade and a Model 1896 Carbine rear sight. Both are marked “C”. This rifle’s serial number falls within the 1898 Krag Carbine serial number range listed on page 65 of William S. Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle. This 1898 Krag Carbine looks pretty good for being over 120 years old. It is an Antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California. Good luck.

Springfield 1898 Krag Carbine .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1898 Antique
Springfield 1898 Krag Carbine .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1898 Antique