U.S. Springfield M1898 Krag–Jørgensen .30-40 30″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1903
SOLD FOR: $1,232.00
LSB#: WY241202MH043
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M1898 Krag–Jørgensen
Serial Number: 403136
Year of Manufacture: 1903, C&R
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round side-loading magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. Model 1898. Springfield Armory. 403136”. The stock is marked, “FJA 1902” with a “P” proof on the wrist.
Barrel Length: 30”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall blade post pinned into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle has a two piece walnut stock with a capped forend/bayonet lug, barrel band w/ sling loop, finger grooves, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate with a trapdoor. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion and fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10. This rifle scored a 0 on a .30 cal. muzzle gauge.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light thinning throughout with scratches, nicks, and light rust spots. The action has light wear. The bolt has moderate patina. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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. The action is very smooth.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: leather sling.
Our Assessment: Following the advent of smokeless powder in the late 1880s, the United States Army Ordnance Corps began the process of replacing the aged single-shot trapdoor rifle design. In the early 1890s trials were held for a new smokeless powder magazine-loaded rifle, which led to the adoption of the Norwegian designed Krag–Jørgensen rifle in the form of the M1892. Production would begin in 1894 and, over the course of several rifle iterations, end with the M1898 in 1903. M1896 and M1898 rifles would primarily see service in the Spanish-American War, where they and their .30-40 cartridge were outclassed by the Spanish M1893 Mauser. One of the primary issues was the side-loading magazine which was slow to load and clumsy in comparison to the charger clip fed Mauser design. This would lead to the development of the M1903 rifle. This rifle is in fantastic condition retaining its full-length rifle barrel. The walnut stock on this rifle has retains many of its original markings. The action and bore are in quite good and shootable condition. Overall this rifle would be a great shooter and collector’s piece for anyone that wants a U.S. Krag rifle. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
