U.S. Springfield M1898 Krag–Jørgensen In .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle C&R 1900
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
WOA#: WY240517EG013
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M1898 Krag–Jørgensen
Serial Number: 278202
Year of Manufacture: 1900
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. 278202”. The right side of the magazine is marked “30.40”. The barrel band is marked, “U” The stock still retains its original cartouche’s and, “64” on the wrist with a “979” rack mark at the heel of the comb.
Barrel Length: 30”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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 small chips in the forend. There are no 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 bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10/10 for its age.
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 none of its metal finish, which is typical fore these rifles.The finish that is left on the barrel has turned to patina. There is patina throughout. There is wear marks on the barrel from a bayonet. The screw heads show very light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as a C&R.
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 and the trigger is heavy but crisp.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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 veritable M1903 rifle. This rifle is in fantastic condition retaining its full-length rifle barrel and matching sights. The walnut stock on this rifle has beautiful curls in the grain and retains its original markings. The action and bore are in Excellent condition and Overall this rifle would be a great shooter and collectors piece for anyone that wants a U.S. Krag rifle. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
