1896 Springfield Carbine
1896 Springfield Carbine
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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Dick Hosmer
- Posts: 2286
- Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:11 pm
Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
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.
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.
Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
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.
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butlersrangers
- Posts: 9880
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
- Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan
Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
'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.
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.
Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
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..
A dollar and a half for a fine example of American workmanship!
If only I had a time machine..
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butlersrangers
- Posts: 9880
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
- Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan
Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
'Texas10' - I do not have the Article. I believe it is for sale on Ebay.
Re: 1896 Springfield Carbine
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.