The finish on the action has retained a good 95% of its hardened mottled colouring as has the loading gate. On the rear face of the bolt root there is a clear five-pointed star and some numbers, quite clearly observed once the bolt is open. The action, when used, feels fine and the mainspring provides a smooth resitance on closing. The main extractor spring which runs along the top of the bolt has faint traces of its nitre-blue but has mostly faded to a dark grey. The handle and knob have turned brown, the bolt sleve and knurled cocking piece are blued. Straight handled bolt, the main body of which is polished to white. 30-40 Krag (govt’) Five round, side loaded – individually. Overall length is 49.1/4″ (125cm) Barrel length 30″ ( 76cm) Length of pull 13.3/8″ (34cm) weigth of this example 4.06kg. Fine tollerences, good rifling and the long barrel make the Krag that remains today in good condition, a strong contender at any service rifle match. A carefully reloaded example today is a formidable rifle to come up against on the firing point.

Accuracy was another addition to the long list of attributes which evolved from the end result. The end result being a rifle produced for combat that exceeded the standard of a private purchase weapon. The quality and build characteristics of this era of US military production vastly over-reached the brief. Add to this, the fine build quailty and finish of the machine-work you have a major addition to your collection. A richness and depth of finish seems to exude from these weapons.

These extremes have not detracted from the quality of the antique rifle, but more, added to it. There are also accounts detailing long periods of firing where, the grease laid in under the barrels, would boil out of the gaps between stock and barrel and the rifles had to be be constantly ragged down to avoid the rather slippery result. It is know, that in down times, the troopers sitting in the trenches awaiting the next burst of action, often spent time rubbing palm oil into the stocks, thus obtaining the high grade finish often associated with these weapons. These rifles became embroilled in at least two south American conflicts which really put them through their paces, but, on the flip side, those conflicts added to the richness of the item that now sits before you.

The fine close-grained American Black Walnut stock shows about 50% of the usual dents and dings associated with a service life. The colours and blueing on most of the components stand at about 75% remaining, the balance have slipped back to a mellow plum grey/brown.

This example shows just the right amount of service wear without the usual loss of finish. Here stands, upon offer, a really fine example of the M1898 U.S. A very good example of the 1898 Springfield Krag Rifle

American springfield 1898