Springfield 1896 Krag .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle 1897 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1075

LSB#: 210826DW06

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1896 Krag

Serial Number: 81815

Year of Manufacture: December, 1897 (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. 81815”. 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 “boxed” inspector’s cartouche “JSA / faded date” (J.S. Adams, see page 60 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer). The bottom of the sling is marked “G. & K. / 1918 / W.J.D.”.

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, discoloration, and surface erosion. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Most of the marks are light. A few 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

Bore Condition: The muzzle is grey, the grooves are light grey, and the rifling is well deep. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.3.

Overall Condition: This rifle has lost the majority of its metal finish to oxidation. The left side of the receiver has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The top of the barrel, magazine, and right side of the receiver each show areas of surface erosion The screw heads show use and oxidation. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: The rifle comes with a leather sling. It shows scrapes, surface cracking, and discoloration on the leather. It shows oxidation and small scratches on the metal. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1896 Krag was made back in December of 1897. This Krag is over 120 years old but still has nice deep markings on the receiver. It looks impressive for its age and the bore is still good enough to do plenty of work out at the range. This Model 1896 Krag will add to your Military collection. It’s an antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.