Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive

Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
Firearms >> U.S. Military Krags >> 1896 Springfield Carbine http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1440346438 Message started by emmetj on Aug 23^rd, 2015 at 4:13pm

Title: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by emmetj on Aug 23^rd, 2015 at 4:13pm

I just got this and it needs a good cleaning. I am worried that I could damage the weapon if not treated properly. Any suggestions for care would be appreciated.

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Title: Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by Dick Hosmer on Aug 23^rd, 2015 at 5:07pm

Welcome to the world of Krags.

A little lemon oil on the wood, and WD40 with brass or FINE (0000 or 000) steel wool for the metal. Any good bore cleaner, such as Hoppes #9 for the inside of the barrel.

Some "damage" has already been done. I do not believe that is an original carbine, but rather a fake designed to look like one to the unwary.

Rear sight and barrel band are incorrect. At first glance, stock appears to be of M1986C form, but has had a totally incorrect new piece spliced in at the front, and the grasping groove is too long - should not touch band. How long is the barrel? What is the serial number? Hope you did not pay a "collector" price, or, if you did, that you can get your money back.

This is what it should look like - note grasping groove length, and barrel band spring.

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Title: Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by emmetj on Aug 24^th, 2015 at 12:51am

It has a 24" barrel. Serial #60032. I did not pay for it. My better half has had it on a gun rack in the basement for decades. Even if it is not real I am happy with it.

Title: Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by butlersrangers on Aug 24^th, 2015 at 3:45am

'emmetj' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

Many of us have started our Krag experience with an example that was an Infantry Rifle, 'cut-down' to carbine length, to make a useful 'Hunting Rifle'. Such Krags can have a lot of family connection and are fun to use and enjoy at the Range.

Your family's Model 1896 Krag, #60032, was built around April, 1897, as a rifle with a 30" barrel. At some point in its service it was updated with a model 1902 rear-sight.

It is likely someone 'sporterized' it in the 1920s or 1930s. A detail photo of the front-sight and muzzle area might give clues about the quality of the workmanship.

Dick Hosmer has given you good guidance on cleaning up your Krag.

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Title: Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by Texas10 on Sep 5^th, 2015 at 8:55pm

Fascinating 1928 article. Do you have the entire magazine article available to read?

A dollar and a half for a fine example of American workmanship!

If only I had a time machine…..

Title: Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by butlersrangers on Sep 5^th, 2015 at 10:29pm

'Texas10' - I do not have the Article. I believe it is for sale on Ebay.

Title: Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
Post by TopDean on Jan 25^th, 2016 at 5:50am

our stoke is a rifle stock as it has the cutout for a sling above the butt and the barrel in the picture looks a bit long, rear site is another thing as all Krags when through many different sites as time went on.