Springfield Krag Model 1898 US Army – .30-40, Mirror Bore

Springfield Armory – Krag-Jørgensen Model 1898

Manufactured: 1898+ – Caliber: .30-40 – Mirror bore

Springfield Krag-Jørgensen Model 1898 US Army service rifle, retaining its original bluing and featuring a mirror bore in .30-40 caliber.

History

In 1885, French chemist Paul Vieille revolutionized firearms development with the invention of Poudre B, one of the first successful smokeless powders. More powerful and cleaner than traditional black powder, this new propellant profoundly changed the design of modern military firearms. The major powers rapidly modernized their military arms. France adopted the Lebel Model 1886, while Germany developed the Mauser Gewehr 98. In the United States, the US Army Ordnance Department evaluated numerous designs before selecting the Krag-Jørgensen, a Norwegian-designed rifle renowned for its rugged construction and smooth side-loading system.

From 1894 onward, Springfield Armory began producing Krag rifles for the US military. The Krag-Jørgensen represented an important development in American military firearms, becoming the first standard military rifle produced by Springfield that did not simply carry the “Springfield Rifle” designation. The Krag Model 1898 saw service with the US Army during the Spanish-American War before being progressively replaced by the Springfield Model 1903. Today, American military Krag rifles remain highly sought after by collectors of US martial firearms.

Our Rifle

Our Springfield Krag-Jørgensen Model 1898 retains its metal parts in very good condition, with a substantial amount of its original bluing remaining. The military markings, including the “US” marking, serial number, model designation and various military inspection marks, remain clearly visible. These markings confirm the rifle's US Army service configuration. The original wooden stock retains an attractive, even coloration and remains in very good condition. The inspector's “K” marking and the “P” Proof mark are visible beneath the stock. The cartridge marking on the side is no longer visible. The original metal buttplate, correct for the model, remains properly fitted.

Mechanically, this Krag-Jørgensen is in excellent working condition, with smooth cocking and positive ignition. The 30-inch .30-40 Krag barrel, also known as .30-40 US, features an excellent mirror bore with well-defined rifling.

This Springfield Krag Model 1898 US Army service rifle represents an interesting example of late nineteenth-century American military arms, from the period immediately preceding the adoption of the Springfield Model 1903.

The rifle is accompanied by its official French National Proof House (Saint-Étienne) Category D classification certificate.