Springfield Krag “Carbine” …………………. (F 981)

Model 1898 Krag Carbine 

Built of Carbine type military specifications.  Measuring 41.1/4″ in overall length.  The round, partially exposed barrel is 22″ long and the trigger pull to centre is 13.1/2″.  Instantly recognisable as the Krag by the side loading magazine assembly.  This is manually opened and 5 loose cartridges are “dropped” in, the sprung follower pushes the rounds underneath the action and up into position, to be picked up by the bolt as it is cycled.  This is a very smooth operation and extremely satisfying to work.  It always works better with round nosed bullets as it is possible for rounds to get hung-up on a set at the rear of the chamber if they are pointed.

This example is a very handsome conversion from a Model 1898 rifle.  The main give-away being the non-carbine sights.  However, it has been done extremely professionally. All the indicators that there as been conversion work carried-out are so well done, it leads the mind down the path of wondering if the military arsenal may have had any reason to carry out such an operation?  If I had to judge just the muzzles of two carbines it would be impossible to tell the difference.  Another tell-tale indicator to works carried out, is the infill of timber in the channel or air space under the barrel on the nose of the forend.  On close inspection one can see a square section of timber in-let which has been finished perfectly flush.  There was a model of Krag which was modified involving this methodology, but not this one – officially.

The stock does not carry any cartouche or proof mark.  It does have finger grooves and a steel butt-plate. There is occasion where some stocks have been issued so, but this would once again not be one of them.  This stock has been well finished and has a hard all over high shine finish – colour is entirely natural and even.  The steel shaped butt-plate has a cleaning trap with three rods stowed inside with the correct oiler.  Once again “three rods” is a give away, carbines only had two.  The trap in the butt-plate shows some stamped numbers on the inside, this is because they were hand assembled and finished.  This is where the build quality of the Krag starts to shine through – they were so well finished and built that they were really over engineered for the purpose they were required for.  This is something you immediately feel when you pick up one of these weapons.  The action is so smooth and precise it feels more like a highly tuned sporting rifle.

Chambered in .30-40 the government choice.  The action outer wall is marked;- ” U.S. MODEL 1898.  SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.  183411″  Serial number puts production in February to March 1899 (when the Philippine insurgency began)  The rear sights are the Model 1902 type with the “Sargent Peep” swing-up aperture attachment.  The sights are fitted with windage adjustment and graduated from 200 to 2000 yards.  This additional fine peep-sight makes shooting the weapon a real pleasure.  Straight armed bolt finished in the white with polished handle, the balance blued.  Mushroom headed cocking piece with knurled outer.  Flag safety to rear of bolt.  Finish over the balance of the action gives strong hints of case-coloured hardening in a mellow blue-grey.  Barrel blued.  Steel ovoid trigger guard with smooth trigger.  The barrel band carries the side-ways stamped Springfield “U.” The carbine has a genuine pattern 1887 leather sling showing strong Verdigris around the brass fittings.

The bore shows strong signs of use and darkness within the grooves. The lands are soft and worn and there is minor pitting toward the muzzle.  Other wise a fine looking carbine from an interesting period of history, which are becoming more and more difficult to access in the UK.

Stock No’ F 981

£ 1925 .

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