Springfield 1898 Krag Carbine .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1898 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 211001TP05

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1898 Krag Carbine. This Rifle has been rebuilt. We do not know if it was originally produced as a Krag Rifle or as a Krag Carbine.

Serial Number: 157241

Year of Manufacture: December of 1898 (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 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 157241”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with a faded “V”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked “44” and with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a boxed inspector’s cartouche “JSA / 1901” (J.S. Adams, see page 60 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer).  The sling base plate under the butt is marked “OALW / 169”. The right side of the front sight blade is marked “C” for Carbine”. The right side of the rear sight base is marked “C” for Carbine.

Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The pinned front sight blade is a Model 1899 Carbine sight blade. It is marked “C” on the right. The Model 1902 Carbine rear sight is an adjustable “U” notched escalator assembly. The right side of the rear sight base is marked “C” for Carbine. The escalator is marked from “2-20”. (page 109 & 111 of William S. Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, barrel band, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. We found cleaning gear stored in the butt. The buttplate shows scratches, discoloration, and light surface erosion. The barrel band shows scrapes & discoloration. The wood shows scuffs, light scrapes, and a few small scratches. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are dark. The rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore; more prominent in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 90% of its metal finish, as refinished. The receiver and magazine side plate have surface erosion bleeding through the finish. These areas also show thinning. The metal shows scrapes, discoloration, and areas of oxidation. The trigger guard also shows scratches. The screw heads show use. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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: Cleaning gear is stored in the butt. It includes a metal Krag oiler tube and a 3 piece cleaning rod. The oiler shows soiling and light scrapes. It is in about Very Good Plus condition. The cleaning rods thread together. They show scrapes and light surface erosion. They are in about Good condition.

Our Assessment: This Model 1898 Krag Carbine was originally produced back in December of 1898. It has since been rebuilt & refinished. The stock was replaced during the rebuild. The rifle uses a Model 1899 Carbine front sight and a Model 1902 Carbine rear sight. This rifle is in Carbine configuration but we do not know if the rifle was originally built as a Krag Carbine or as a Krag Rifle. It looks great for being over 120 years old. It is an Antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.