Original U.S. Springfield Model 1896 .30-40 Krag-Jørgensen Infantry Rifle Serial 38604 - Made in 1896

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition early production (1896) Springfield Krag-Jørgensen M1896 Rifle, the standard U.S. Long arm of the time. It measures was 49 inches (1,200 mm) in overall length weighing 9.3 pounds with a 30-inch (760 mm) barrel. Unlike many we see, it was not later upgraded as the design evolved.

The 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 M1896 rifle differs from the earlier M1892 version, in that the magazine cut-off operates in down position and a three-piece cleaning rod is stored in a butt trap. It also had an improved rear sight and tighter production tolerances to give better accuracy when compared to its predecessor.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

U.S.
MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 38604

Research reveals that serial number 38604 dates the time of manufacture to the second half of 1896, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1897. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver, surrounding the correct M1896 pattern rear sight.

These are very desirable as a U.S. military service rifle, as most of these rifles saw heavy use in the Spanish-American War and early 1900s until the development of the M1903 rifle. Many were also later modified / updated with new sights, however this example is still in the original configuration. It still has an early pattern stock with the correct bevel around the cocking handle, however it may have been replaced during service. The stock is marked with a nice circled P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a clear "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1901, for inspector J. S. Adams. Most likely this indicates that the stock was swapped at arsenal due to damage, though it is always possible it was reconditioned and remarked.

Condition is very good with the metalwork showing much of the original finish on the barrel, with some other areas like the receiver now faded to a lovely gray patina. There is some staining but no major peppering, and the ejector even still has a good amount of the original "niter bluing" present. The stock and handguard are in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and some great grain visible. There is the usual wear from service, including small dings and dents, but no major damage out of line with use.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with light oxidation staining on the bright areas. The magazine cutoff moves back and forth, and the ejector presents correctly, however we have no way to test to see if the action feeds and ejects correctly. The magazine door opens easily, and the follower spring is intact. The rifle has a strong dry fire, and the bolt safety works as well. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There definitely is some past oxidation and fouling, now cleaned away, but the lands are still crisp, and this is definitely well above average for a Springfield Krag.

A lovely example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, which replaced the legendary Springfield Trapdoor. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine