Springfield 1896 Krag Carbine .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1526.50
LSB#: 210826DW03
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1896 Krag Carbine
Serial Number: 27164
Year of Manufacture: February to April, 1896. (page 232 of Joe Poyer’s book, The American Krag Rifle and Carbine).
Model 1896 Rifle & Carbine production began in December of 1895 at serial number 24919.
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Side Mounted 5 Round Box Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U. S. / 1895. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 27164”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “17” and the bottom is marked “9”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The Model 1896 Carbine Carbine rear sight (page 97 of William Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle) is an adjustable “U” notched escalator assembly when down. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “300 400 500 600” for use with the escalator. When flipped up the assembly becomes a sight ladder with a sliding “U” notched blade. The sight ladder is marked from “7-19”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood Krag Carbine stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, sling bar with sling ring, finger grooves, barrel band with sight protector, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The refinished buttplate shows scrapes, scratches, and surface erosion. The top of the butt shows a repair at the buttplate. The bottom of the butt shows a surface patch repair. The left side of the stock shows repaired hairline surface cracks that run from the edge of the magazine floorplate to the area above the trigger. These hairline cracks do not flex when pressure is applied. The left side of the butt shows 3 small filled nail holes. 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. Overall the stock rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refurbished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The lands are semi bright. The grooves and the area near the muzzle are light grey. There is fouling & intermittent light erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an ME of 0.2.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The metal has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes & scratches. The barrel, trigger guard, and magazine side plate show discoloration from oxidation and a freckling of light surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as a refurbished antique.
Mechanics: The ejector is missing.
The action functions otherwise. 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 1896 Krag Carbine has an 1895 date on the receiver. 1895 receiver dates are scarce and usually seen on Model 1892 Krags. This Krag Carbine was made in early 1896 shortly after Model 1892 Krag production ended and Model 1896 Rifle & Carbine production began. This Krag Carbine appears to have previously had a longer 1899 Carbine handguard installed (based on the barrel finish). The same Model 1896 Carbine rear sight was used with the longer handguard. The 1896 Carbine sight was used for the 1896, 1898, and 1899 Carbines. The stock has been refurbished & the metal has been treated with cold blue so the rifle looks good for being over 120 years old. It will add nicely to a Krag or Military collection.
It’s an antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.