Newbie here. Identity old firearm looking for parts too

[fallstiger75]

Greetings all,
I have in my possession an Springfield 1898
Serial 387454
I can’t seem to find the correct safety lever for it. Can anyone please steer me towards somewhere please?
Thanks in advance.

[FredC]

Try this source: https://www.granpasgunparts.com/
Well respected by users of this site.

Almost forgot, welcome to the KCA.

[butlersrangers]

'Fallstiger75' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

Grandpa's gun parts is 'out of stock'.

Try Poppert's gun parts, accessible via Google search, and don't tarry!

[fallstiger75]

Thank you so much!!! I hope it’s the one!
Already ordered.

[pattonjd]

OP, Was the safety you purchased the correct one for your rifle?

[Dick Hosmer]

Interesting serial number! Assuming that it has not been cut-down, how long is the barrel (30" or 26"), and what is the highest number on the rear sight , 20 or 21?

[scottz63]

Interesting serial number! Assuming that it has not been cut-down, how long is the barrel (30" or 26"), and what is the highest number on the rear sight , 20 or 21?

What makes that serial number interesting? Just curious.

[butlersrangers]

In 1902, Springfield Armory built 100 'experimental/trial' Krag rifles with 26 inch barrels.

These were called Board of Ordnance & Fortifications Rifles and were tested at Fort Drum, N.Y.
The intent was to have a compromise ('combined services') Krag, that eliminated the need to have both a carbine and long rifle.

The B.ofO.&F. rifles are believed to have performed well.
They did not show the troublesome bullet deviation to the left, or as much bullet 'rotational deviation' to the right, that was exhibited by the 30 inch barrel Krag rifles.

The experiment came too late, with a new rifle already in the works.
But, it may have proved the feasibility of a single service arm and had an impact on the barrel length of the 1903 Springfield rifle.

The rare BoOF rifles generally fall in the serial number range of 387K to 389K. (Regular Model 1898 Krag rifles also fall in this range).

The BoOF rifles had a unique m1901 rear-sight, front-sight height, barrel length, stock forearm, and bayonet.

Some of these 'rare birds' have been overlooked and mistakenly believed to be 'cut-down' rifles.

Attached auction page shows Philippine Constabulary carbine-length rifle and a BoOF rifle.

[scottz63]

Cool info. Thanks!