Springfield Armory 1898 Krag .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1903 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1200

LSB#: 220118DW014

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1898 Krag

Serial Number: 454729

Year of Manufacture: May, 1903 (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.  454729”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “6” and “S 5”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a small “58” and with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a boxed inspector’s cartouche “JSA / 1903” (J.S. Adams, see page 60 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer). The top of the butt is marked “K / 18”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a blade pinned into a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly that is marked from “2 – 20”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, barrel band, nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. A cleaning rod is stored in the butt. The buttplate & barrel band show scrapes and some discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are light gray. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and light erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.8.

Overall Condition: This rifle has lost most of its metal finish. The metal has been treated with cold blue but has also lost most of the cold blue finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The top of the barrel shows light surface erosion. The screw heads show oxidation. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

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: A 3 piece cleaning rod is stored in the butt. The rods thread together properly. They show scrapes & scratches. They are in Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag Rifle was made back in 1903. It has seen some use but still has deep markings on the metal & wood as well as a good bore. The markings add to its history. This Model 1898 Krag Rifle will add to your collection and should be fun to shoot. Good luck.