#67 • U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen Sporterized Bolt-Action Rifle - .30-40 Krag

Part of WINTER SPORTSMAN CONSIGNMENT AUCTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 6:30PM (timed auction by Edinburg Auction Sales. Inc. )

Starting at $10.00

Status: Available

Category: FIREARMS

U.S. Springfield Armory | Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen | Sporterized Bolt-Action Rifle | Williams Peep Sight | 22" Barrel The U.S. Model 1898 Springfield Krag-Jørgensen represents an important chapter in American military firearms history, serving as one of the United States Army's first widely issued magazine-fed bolt-action rifles. Manufactured at Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, the Krag-Jørgensen was adopted by the United States military in 1892 and remained in frontline service through the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War era before being superseded by the Springfield Model 1903. Originally developed in Norway by Ole Herman Johannes Krag and Erik Jørgensen, the Krag-Jørgensen rifle incorporated an innovative bolt-action mechanism and a distinctive side-loading magazine system. Unlike conventional military rifles of the period, the Krag featured a hinged loading gate on the right side of the receiver, allowing cartridges to be inserted individually without opening the bolt. The American military adopted its own variation of the design, chambered in .30-40 Krag, also known as .30 Army. The Model 1898 represented one of the principal refinements of the American Krag design. Its smooth bolt operation, distinctive magazine arrangement, and historical association with the turn-of-the-century United States military have made surviving examples recognizable among collectors of American military firearms. Following their military service, many Krag-Jørgensen rifles entered the civilian market, where they were frequently modified into sporting rifles. These conversions, commonly referred to as sporterization, often included shortened or replacement barrels, sporting stocks, updated sights, and other modifications intended to adapt military rifles for hunting and recreational shooting. This example is a sporterized U.S. Model 1898 Springfield Krag-Jørgensen, featuring a 22-inch barrel, custom-style checkered sporting stock, and Williams adjustable receiver-mounted peep sight. Its receiver retains the original Springfield Armory identification and distinctive Krag side-loading magazine assembly. The receiver is marked "U.S. MODEL 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY" and bears serial number 477857. This serial number falls within the very late range of Springfield Krag production, suggesting a receiver dating to approximately 1904–1905, although an exact manufacture date has not been established. The rifle has undergone substantial sporting modifications. Its walnut-appearing sporting stock features a raised cheekpiece, checkered pistol grip, checkered forearm, contrasting pistol-grip cap, and fitted buttplate. The checkering and shaped stock profile give the rifle a traditional sporting appearance distinct from its original military configuration. The rifle is equipped with an adjustable Williams receiver-mounted aperture sight and a ramp-style front sight without a hood. These modifications provide a sporting sight arrangement in place of the original military sighting system. The 22-inch barrel appears to be an aftermarket replacement, although its manufacturer and original installation details have not been established. The barrel has no identified caliber markings. While the Model 1898 was originally chambered in .30-40 Krag, the current chambering of this modified rifle has not been verified and should not be assumed to be the original caliber. The rifle retains its distinctive right-side Krag magazine housing and hinged loading gate, preserving one of the most recognizable mechanical features of the original military design. Firearm Specs Manufacturer: Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts Model: U.S. Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen (Sporterized) Caliber: Unknown / Unverified; originally manufactured in .30-40 Krag Action: Bolt-action, centerfire Barrel Length: 22" Finish: Dark blued metal finish with areas of wear and discoloration Stock/Grip: Walnut-appearing sporting stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered pistol grip and forearm Capacity: Original Krag-pattern five-round magazine system; current functionality not verified Sights: Williams adjustable receiver-mounted peep sight; ramp-style front sight without hood Approximate Year of Manufacture: 1904–1905 (receiver estimate; not confirmed) Receiver: Original U.S. Model 1898 Springfield Armory-marked receiver Barrel: Appears to be an aftermarket replacement; manufacturer unknown Magazine: Krag-Jørgensen side-loading magazine with hinged loading gate Stock Features: Raised cheekpiece, checkering, contrasting pistol-grip cap, buttplate Additional Markings: Shield-shaped inlay with engraved initials or monogram on stock Original Military Chambering: .30-40 Krag Current Chambering: Not established Serial Number 477857 Condition This sporterized Springfield Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen is in good overall condition, displaying wear consistent with its age, military origins, and subsequent sporting conversion. The barrel and receiver exhibit areas of finish wear, mottling, and discoloration, particularly around the receiver. The bolt and bolt handle display a brighter, worn metal appearance. The sporting stock presents well overall, retaining its checkered pistol grip and forearm, raised cheekpiece, and fitted buttplate. Minor handling marks and surface wear are visible in the wood. The bore is frosted, exhibiting a dull appearance rather than a bright, shiny finish. The rifle has been substantially modified from its original military configuration, including the sporting stock, sighting arrangement, and apparent replacement barrel. Important Chambering Disclosure: The barrel has no identified caliber markings, and the rifle's current chambering has not been verified. Although originally manufactured in .30-40 Krag, this sporterized example should not be assumed to retain that chambering. The chambering must be positively identified before ammunition is selected or the rifle is fired. Extras & Features Brown leather sling With its late-production Springfield Armory receiver, distinctive Krag-Jørgensen side-loading action, 22-inch sporting barrel, checkered wood stock, and Williams receiver sight, this Model 1898 represents an interesting example of an American military rifle adapted for civilian sporting use. Its combination of historical military origins and traditional sporting modifications makes it appealing to enthusiasts of early American bolt-action rifles and vintage sporterized military firearms.