Springfield Model 1898 Krag Carbine .30-40 22” Bolt Action Rifle 1898
SOLD FOR: $1,590.00
LSB#: LSB251006CF011
Make: Springfield
Model: 1898 Krag Carbine.
Serial Number: 127621
Year of Manufacture: 1898 / Antique
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. 127621”. The rear sight is marked with a “C”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches..
Sights / Optics:The front sight is a blade pinned to a soldered barrel mounted base. There is a small “C” stamp on the left side of the front sight. The rear sight is a Type 1 1898 ladder sight marked out 200- 2000 on the ladder.The top right of the sight is correctly marked with a “C”.
Stock Configuration & Condition This rifle has a 1898 Type 3 carbine stock with a straight grip, square cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, Carbine version barrel band, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There is a cleaning kit still housed in the buttstock! There is a correct carbine sling bar and saddle ring on the left side of the stock. The wood shows light scrapes, scratches and compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. The stock appears to have been refinished a while ago as the cartouche is missing and there are sanding marks but there is wear after the refinish. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. This stock rates in about Fine overall condition for an antique refinish.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is some minor erosion in the grooves. This writer would rate the bore at 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The bluing has worn and thin spots on the barrel. The receiver has worn to a mottled patina as Krags usually do. There is corrosion on the saddle ring. The screw heads show very light use. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. 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 kit in the buttstock.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1898 Krag carbine stands as a hallmark of America’s brief but influential transition from single-shot black powder arms to modern smokeless repeating rifles. Adopted by the U.S. Army in the closing years of the nineteenth century, the Krag–Jørgensen system brought with it a smooth, side-loading magazine and refined bolt operation that were well ahead of their time. Carbines such as this were issued primarily to cavalry units, where compact length and lighter weight were essential for mounted service during the Indian Wars era and the Spanish–American War.
Chambered in .30-40 Krag, this carbine is fitted with the correct approximately 22 inch barrel and proper carbine-specific sights, including the Type 1 Model 1898 rear sight marked with the appropriate “C” designation. The .30-40 Krag cartridge was America’s first smokeless military round, valued for its mild recoil, accuracy, and effectiveness, even if it was soon eclipsed by higher-velocity designs. The presence of correct carbine features throughout, including the front sight marking and carbine rear sight, reinforces the martial configuration and historical integrity of this example.
Condition on this carbine is notably strong for an antique military arm. Approximately 80 percent of the original metal finish remains, with expected thinning on the barrel and the characteristic mottled patina on the receiver typical of Krag rifles. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling and only minor erosion in the grooves, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The stock is a correct 1898 Type 3 carbine stock that has been refinished in the past, resulting in the loss of the cartouche, though it now shows honest wear from subsequent use. Importantly, the stock remains free of cracks and still retains its cleaning kit in the butt trap, along with the correct sling bar and saddle ring. The action functions as intended. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
