Springfield Armory Krag-Jorgensen Model 1896 Sporter, 25-Inch Barrel, 1897 Antique Bolt-Action Rifle
This 1897-dated Springfield Armory Krag-Jorgensen Model 1896 is a U.S.-made antique that has been thoughtfully sporterized for field use. It features a shortened 25-inch barrel, a receiver-mounted micrometer-adjustable aperture sight in the Lyman 48 style, and a non-military ramped front blade. Distinctive Krag engineering remains intact, including the right-side hinged loading-gate magazine, and the receiver is marked "MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY."
Proofs and inspection marks add period authenticity, with a circled "P" on the wrist and a boxed inspector's cartouche on the left wrist. The walnut stock retains grasping grooves, a steel buttplate with trapdoor, and sling swivels. This configuration blends classic Springfield Armory craftsmanship with practical sporter updates in a collectible 1890s-era rifle.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The caliber could not be verified; best assessment is .30-40 Krag. Have a qualified gunsmith verify the caliber before firing. The rifle has been sporterized and shows pitting throughout, with areas of discoloration and blemishes present. The bore presents clean surfaces with well-defined rifling.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Krag-Jorgensen Model 1896 bolt-action rifle (sporterized)
- Receiver-mounted aperture rear sight (Lyman 48-style, micrometer adjustable)
- Ramped front blade sight
- Sling swivels
Manufactured in 1897, this Model 1896 retains hallmark Krag features such as the right-side hinged loading-gate magazine, allowing the five-round magazine to be topped off with the bolt closed. Capacity is 5+1, consistent with the platform. The receiver carries correct "MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY." markings.
Sporterization work includes a professionally shortened 25-inch barrel, installation of a ramped front blade, and a receiver-mounted, micrometer-adjustable aperture sight in the Lyman 48 style. The original barrel-mounted rear sight has been removed. The fore-end has been shortened with a single barrel band, and the upper handguard was removed to streamline the profile.
The walnut stock retains desirable early features, including grasping grooves and a steel buttplate with trapdoor. A circled "P" proof on the wrist and a boxed inspector's cartouche on the left wrist remain visible, supporting its Springfield Armory lineage. Sling swivels are fitted for carry.
Metal surfaces wear a blued finish and show pitting, discoloration, and general handling consistent with the stated condition. Despite exterior wear, the bore shows sharp rifling. Length of pull measures 13.25 inches, providing a straightforward, classic fit.