Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1894 Krag Jorgensen

Serial Number: 4175

Year of Manufacture: 1894 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: .30-40 Krag

Action Type: Bolt action

Barrel Length: 30"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rifle uses a Model 1896 rear sight. The rear sight is an adjustable “U” notched escalator.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has been modified to be a Model 1896 3A stock. This may have been done during an Arsenal Rebuild. The hardwood stock has a straight grip, forend finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug, filled hole that housed the cleaning rod, barrel band, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches and light surface erosion. The wood shows light wear with scattered pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. Many of the marks are old and have since been worked over in the refinishing process. The LOP measures 13.5 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are two cracks in the upper handguard and several small chips that have been sanded and refinished. The stock rates in about Very Good condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished barrel

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is lightly worn with some fouling. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its current metal finish. The barrel has been refinished and the majority of the other metal surfaces show minimal remaining finish. The surfaces have scratches and spots of patina. The screw heads range from light to moderately tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: "12.N.Y. / E55" Marked M1892 bayonet and scabbard

Our Assessment: This is an early first year production U.S. service Krag that presents with approximately 65% of a nonoriginal finish remaining on the metal surfaces. The refinish is evenly applied and presents cleanly while clearly differing from untouched arsenal finish. The long 30" barrel gives the rifle its correct infantry profile with an extended sight radius and steady balance. The stock presents appropriately for age and configuration, and overall appearance remains consistent with a restored military arm from the period.

Mechanically, the rifle is sound. The bore rates 8 out of 10, showing good rifling and serviceable interior condition for this era of service rifle. The Krag action functions correctly, operating smoothly with the distinctive side loading magazine system that set the Krag apart from its contemporaries.

The inclusion of an M1892 bayonet and scabbard adds meaningful historical context and display value. This bayonet pattern is correct for early Krag service and enhances the completeness of the offering as an infantry set.

Historically, the Model 1894 Krag represents the United States Army's first adoption of a smokeless powder bolt action service rifle. An 1894 dated example places this rifle at the very beginning of Krag production, during a pivotal transition period in U.S. military arms development. While refinished, this rifle remains a mechanically correct and historically significant example of early Krag service, further strengthened by the inclusion of proper period accoutrements.