Clint Smith Springfield 1898 Krag-Jørgensen .30-40 US Rifle, Bayonet, 1902
SOLD FOR: $1,594.00
LSB#: LSB260703CS028
Make: Springfield
Model: 1898
Serial Number: 373120
Year of Manufacture: 1902 / C&R
Caliber: 30-40 Krag (30 US)
Action Type: Bolt Action Centerfire Rifle Fed by Internal Side-Loading Box Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “US Springfield Armory, Model 1898, 373120”. The left side of the stock is marked with a “J.S.A. / 1902” cartouche. The bottom of the wrist has a “P” proof. The bayonet is marked “US / 1895”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a raised base that is soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a 1901 Type 3 Buffington U-notch ladder sight fixed to the barrel mounted base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle has a Type 5 2-piece walnut stock set with a capped forend & bayonet lug w/ stacking ring, sling loop w/ barrel band, finger grooves, straight wrist, sling loop, straight comb, and smooth buttplate w/ trapdoor. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with a few small chips. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its original finish. There is moderate thinning and patina throughout along with light leading edge wear and handling marks. There are light spots of rust freckling throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in about Good condition. The bayonet is in Very Good condition with moderate handling wear throughout. The blade has moderate spots of patina.
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: M1892 Knife bayonet, leather sling, Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch signed letter of ownership.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen represents the final and most refined version of America’s first standard smokeless-powder military bolt-action rifle. Adopted during the 1890s, the Krag used an exceptionally smooth action and a distinctive five-round side-loading magazine that allowed cartridges to be added without opening the bolt. Chambered in .30-40 Krag, then officially known as .30 Army or .30 U.S., the rifle served during the Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, and Boxer Rebellion before being replaced by the Model 1903 Springfield. This example was manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1902 and retains its full-length 30-inch barrel, Model 1901 rear sight, military stock configuration, and period martial markings. This rifle remains in Good condition, retaining approximately 45% of its original blued finish. The metal surfaces exhibit moderate thinning, patina, light edge wear, handling marks, and scattered rust freckling, while the action shows only light operational wear. The light-gray bore retains pronounced rifling with light to moderate erosion, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Its walnut stock and handguard display scratches, pressure dents, and several small chips but remain free of cracks, rating in Very Good condition. The included Model 1892 knife bayonet remains in Very Good condition with moderate handling wear and areas of patina on the blade.
This Krag is further distinguished by having been owned and used by Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. This rifle includes a signed letter of ownership from one of America’s best-known firearms instructors and adds interest beyond the rifle’s military history. Combined with its leather sling, bayonet, 1902 production date, and largely intact military configuration, this rifle should appeal to collectors of U.S. martial arms, historic military bolt-action rifles, and firearms with notable modern provenance. -R.E.