1899 Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen Sporterized Carbine in .30-40 Krag with Side Scope Mount
This Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen began life as a U.S. military rifle but was later converted into a handy 22-inch carbine for the civilian market. It keeps the Krag’s distinctive side-loading magazine and windage-adjustable ladder rear sight while adding a sporter walnut stock with hand-cut checkering, a pistol-grip profile, and an aftermarket hard-rubber buttplate. A four-hole side scope mount is installed, giving the shooter modern optic capability without disturbing the top of the action. Serial number 178XXX dates production to fiscal year 1899, making this an early example of the widespread surplus Krag sporter conversions prized by collectors and hunters alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Rifling Condition: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The receiver has been drilled and tapped for the included side scope mount, and the rail now covers the original maker and serial markings. Metal surfaces show a thinning grey/blue patina with scattered handling marks. The walnut stock exhibits minor dings in the checkering but remains sound with no cracks.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen sporterized carbine
- Installed side scope mounting rail
The original 30-inch infantry barrel was professionally cut to 22 inches, creating a lighter, quicker-handling carbine while retaining the correct military front sight band. The ordnance-steel barrel remains chambered for the classic .30-40 Krag cartridge and feeds through the rifle’s signature side-hinged magazine gate.
The sporter stock is walnut with a pistol grip, hand-cut checkering, and a schnabel fore-end tip—features that improve grip and handling compared to the straight military stock. Length of pull measures 13.25 inches, ending in an aftermarket hard-rubber buttplate that helps manage recoil.
A four-hole side mount has been fitted to the nickel-steel receiver, allowing quick installation of a period-correct scope without altering the top of the action. For those who prefer irons, the rifle still carries the original Model 1898/1901 folding ladder rear sight and a fixed blade front sight.
This rifle represents an authentic piece of turn-of-the-century U.S. arms history, blending Springfield Armory workmanship with the practical modifications favored by early 20th-century American sportsmen.