Original U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen Rifle Made in 1897 with Mills Tropical Sling, Oiler, and Cleaning Rod - Serial 62667

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition late production (1898) 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.

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. 62667

Research reveals that serial number 62667 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 Antiques by the BATF. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver, surrounding the correct M1896 pattern rear sight, which was not replaced like so many were. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, and inside are the correct three piece cleaning rod, and even an original oiler!

To make this offering even better, it is fitted with a rare Mills tropical web sling for the Krag, which has the correct PAT. MILLS & ORNDORFF marking on the end clips, which are very similar to those on a British web sling. It still retains both brass sliders, and is in great shape! There is even a brass muzzle cover on the barrel! This is really a full set up, perfect for any Spanish American War Era display!

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 later modified / updated with new sights, however this example was not. It however looks to have the original stock, with the correct bevel around the cocking handle. It has been used in service and cleaned over the years, which unfortunately has reduced the inspection cartouche on the left side above the trigger guard to just a "ghost". However, it still has a strong stylized P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing.

Condition is very good with a lightly worn mottled gray patina to the receiver area, while the barrel still retains much of the original blued finish. The bolt has the same mottled look as the receiver, as does the ejector on top, and the butt plate is in a similar condition, with just a bit of peppering. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and small dings and scratches from service, but no major damage or repairs that we can see. We can even see a good amount of flame figuring in areas, making it highly attractive. Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with slight oxidation on the bright areas. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. However there definitely is some wear, as well as removed past oxidation, so this is definitely a rifle that saw a good amount of service.

A very nice example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1898
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