Original U.S. Springfield Model 1896 .30-40 Krag–Jørgensen Carbine Serial 87982 with Replaced Sights - Made in 1897

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the very hard to find Springfield Model 1896 Krag–Jørgensen Carbine, in very good honest condition. It does not look to ever have been set up with a saddle ring, which is not out of the ordinary, and it also looks to have been modified post service with sights for more accurate shooting. The front sight was removed, and a ramp base with a dovetailed sight with a brass blaze was installed, which looks to originally have had a sight hood, now removed. The rear sight was removed from the barrel, along with the handguard, and an adjustable aperture "peep" sight added to the rear of the receiver, which required removal of the magazine cutoff. Definitely some interesting modifications!

It measures approximately 41 3/4 inches in overall length with a 22-inch barrel. The Springfield Model 1892–99 Krag–Jørgensen rifle is a Norwegian-designed bolt-action rifle that was adopted in 1892 as the standard United States Army military longarm, chambered in U.S. caliber .30-40 Krag. All versions and variants were manufactured under license by the Springfield Armory between 1892 and 1903 and famously served as the longarm during the Spanish–American War. Although Krags were popular, unique and efficient, the side loading gate mechanism was slow and cumbersome to reload in combat compared to the clip loaded Spanish Mausers the Krag was up against.

The Model 1896 is an improvement over the original 1892 model. It had a magazine cut-off operated in the down position had a cleaning rod that was stored in the butt trap, which mean that even the carbine model would have a cleaning rod. The production tolerances were also improved, resulting in an overall better firearm.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

U.S.MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 87982

Research reveals that serial number 87982 dates to year of manufacture of 1897, the second half of the year, which is part of U.S. Fiscal Year 1898. Springfield Armory produced 14122 M1896 carbines this year. All model 1896 rifles and carbines were produced 1898 and prior, and are federally considered Pre-1899 antique firearms.

The Carbine Model 1896 features features the later bolt with the extractor with pin and the receiver is machined to work with the pin. It still has the original barrel band present, and still features the original 22 inch barrel, with no evidence of being a converted rifle. There is however no saddle-ring bar installed on the left side of the stock, definitely an interesting variation, which we have seen before. The replacement sights are in very good shape, with the rear aperture sight still fully functional, though it definitely is a bit stiff.

Metal condition is very good, with the original finish having faded to a lovely worn patina, with no sign of major rust or other issues. It has the look of a turn of the century service rifle that was in use for decades. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. The lands show just a bit of wear to the edges, and there are just a few areas of past fouling and oxidation. The carbine cycles nicely, and appears to be fully functional, though we have no way to test the feed mechanism. As the magazine cutoff was removed, we have no way to test it.

The stocks are in very good condition and have the lovely dark red brown color only seen on aged oiled walnut. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is unfortunately empty. There are no stock proofs present, but it does not show much war at all, so it was probably arsenal replaced at some point.

A great chance to pick up a hard to find U.S. military carbine with some interesting features! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 3/4 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine