Sporterized M1896 Krag-Jørgensen 24” .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle,1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB250530KE008
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1896
Serial Number: 54294
Year of Manufacture: 1897 (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 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 54294”
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a Redfield micro-adjustable peep sight fixed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The sporterized stock is a single piece walnut with a capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheek piece, two sling studs front and rear, ebony tipped forend, and Bishop checkered hard rubber buttplate. The right side of the stock has been cut out to accommodate the bolt and magazine. The LOP measures 14 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as a modified sporterized stock.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is moderate to heavy erosion in the bore with small pricks of pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 for an antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 70% of its metal finish as refinished. There are scratches and nicks throughout with some spots of thinning that have taken to a mottled light patina. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: The Krag-Jørgensen rifle, adopted by the U.S. military in 1892, was America’s first bolt-action service rifle with a repeating magazine. Manufactured at Springfield Armory, the Krag served in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War before being replaced by the 1903 Springfield. Its distinctive side-mounted magazine and smooth action gave it a reputation for being one of the slickest-operating bolt rifles ever produced. By the mid-20th century, many surplus Krags found new life in the sporting field, cut down and restocked by hunters who valued their reliability, accuracy, and availability in the powerful .30-40 Krag cartridge.
This 1896 rifle, produced in 1897, has been sporterized with a Monte Carlo stock featuring a cheek piece, capped pistol grip, ebony forend tip, and Bishop buttplate, as well as a Redfield peep sight for improved accuracy. The metal has been refinished and now retains about 70% of its blued finish, while the bore shows wear with visible erosion but remains serviceable, rating about 7/10 for an antique. While it no longer has the collector value of an original-configuration Krag, this rifle represents the long tradition of surplus rifles being adapted for sporting use. Today, it stands as a functional hunting rifle with antique status and historical pedigree, offering both practical utility and a connection to America’s early bolt-action service rifles. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
