Springfield 1896 Krag Carbine .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle 6th Cavalry Antique
Sold For: $2,285
LSB#: 200903JH06
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1896 Krag Carbine
Serial Number: 71150
Year of Manufacture: August, 1897 (page 232 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer).
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Side Mounted Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 71150”. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “4”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with a faded stamping. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a faded “boxed” inspector’s cartouche “JSA / 1896” (J. S. Adams, page 232 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer). The buttplate is marked “G 6 2” and the storage door is marked “2 G 6”. The right & left sides of the butt are marked with small faded “G 6 2” stampings. The bottom of the grip is marked with a faded “circled P” proof. The top of the rear sight ladder is marked “C” designating it a Carbine sight.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a sliding escalator. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “3 4 5 6” for use with the escalator. It flips up to become a sight ladder marked from “7 -20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a straight grip, barrel band, sling bar & sling ring on the side, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows surface erosion & discoloration from oxidation. The barrel band has been coated in lacquer. It shows discoloration, a freckling of oxidation, and scrapes. The rear of the handguard shows hairline cracks that extent to the edge. The wood shows scrapes & scratches that have been finished over. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition, as a refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are gray and the grooves are dark. The rifling is well defined; shallow at the muzzle. There is erosion throughout; heavier in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 5.
Overall Condition: This rifle has been refinished but has lost most of its blue finish to oxidation. The metal has also been coated in lacquer. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, discoloration, and surface erosion. The screw heads show oxidation & use. The receiver markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good 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 Carbine was made back in 1897. It has been refinished so it looks pretty nice for its age; especially the wood. According to page 37 of the Springfield Research Service – Serial Numbers of Martial Arms Volume 1, the serial number “71150” falls between 2 serial numbers that are documented as being issued to the U.S. Army 6th Cavalry (71143 and 71210). Given the proximity of the serial numbers and the number of Krags issued to the 6th Cavalry, this 1896 Krag Carbine was most likely issued to the U.S. 6th Cavalry as well.
This is a nice 1896 Krag Carbine to add to your collection. This Krag is an antique, so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable? (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS): This Antique rifle can be transferred in California but must be transferred through your local dealer or at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to you. For a gun to be classified Antique and be shipped direct, California requires that “the firearm use ammunition manufactured in or before 1898, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.” Penal Code: 16170. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
