Springfield M1896 Krag Carbine 22” .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle, 1897 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,130.00

LSB#: LSB250711CT008

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1896 Krag-Jørgensen

Serial Number: 147254

Year of Manufacture: 1897 Antique (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. 147254”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches. Type 2 Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a  blade pinned to a soldered barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a Type 3 1896 ladder sight marked out to 6 on the side of the base and 18 on the ladder.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a 30” OAL two piece carbine stock with a barrel band, finger grooves, carbine sling bar/loop, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate with storage gate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with some minor chips. There is a small crack between the sling bar and receiver. The LOP measures 13 3/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Fine + overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion and moderate spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10 as an Antique.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 10% of its metal finish. There is heavy thinning and patina throughout with a small amount remaining on the receiver. The barrel has some minor spots of cleaned out pitting. The buttplate has pitting and impact marks throughout. The screw heads show use. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as a 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: None. 

Our Assessment: The Springfield Krag-Jørgensen was America’s first smokeless powder service rifle, adopted in 1892 and serving through the Spanish-American War before being replaced by the 1903 Springfield. The Krag stood out for its innovative side-loading magazine, which allowed soldiers to top off rounds without disabling the rifle, a feature unique among bolt-actions of its era. The M1896 carbine, with its 22-inch barrel, was the standard issue for cavalry and mounted troops, offering lighter weight and handier balance compared to the full-length rifle. Manufactured in 1897, this example falls firmly into the antique category and represents one of the most historically significant American carbines of the late 19th century. This rifle shows the expected wear of an antique that has seen use, but its overall presentation remains strong. The refinished carbine stock retains its correct hardware and sling bar, showing scattered dents, scratches, and a small crack near the receiver but still rating in Fine Plus condition. The metal has thinned significantly, with about 10 percent of its finish remaining and a deep patina throughout, consistent with its age and service life. The bore shows wear, with erosion and pitting that bring it down to a 6 out of 10, but the mechanics remain functional with the smooth action that Krags are known for. Importantly, it retains proper carbine features including the 22-inch barrel, Type 3 rear sight, and carbine sling hardware, supporting its authenticity as a true Krag carbine rather than a cut-down rifle.

For collectors, the M1896 Krag carbine is one of the more desirable U.S. military arms of the era, particularly because carbines were produced in much smaller numbers than rifles and saw harder service in the field. This 1897-produced antique example offers authenticity, correct configuration, and solid overall condition despite its worn bore and finish. It represents a piece of American history tied directly to the frontier and the Spanish-American War period, and it remains a must-have for collectors of U.S. military arms or antique cavalry carbines. -R.E.