What's this Springfield

[apowell]

I have a line on this rifle, but I can't figure out exactly what it is. Can you tell me what this is, and what it is worth? The guy selling it said it says "Springfield Armory" and has 1894 on it. This is the only pic I've got right now.

Thanks,
Adon

 

[RNB65]

A pic big enough to actually see would be helpful.

Most likely a Springfield Krag .30-40, Model 1894.

 

[Zullo74]

Since there was NO Model of 1894, it is most likely a US Krag Model of 1892.
Below is a list of the US Krag Models......

U.S. Magazine Rifle, Model of 1892
U.S. Magazine Carbine, Model of 1892
U.S. Magazine Rifle, Model of 1896
U.S. Magazine Carbine, Model of 1896
U.S. Magazine Rifle, Model of 1898
U.S. Magazine Carbine, Model of 1898
U.S. Magazine Carbine, Model of 1899

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks like a US Krag Jorgensen .30 Army (.30-40 Krag) that has been fairly nicely sporterized. A good pistol grip stock but retains the military rear sight. Can't make out the front sight in the small picture, but a lot of Krags had the barrels shortened and an '03 front sight mounted.

 

[Blackfork]

Krag lust

I've got a fairly bad case of Krag lust right now. Almost bought a sporterized one last night on gunbroker. The one still in military configuration are expensive. The sporterized versions are much cheaper. 2-300.00 will get you a Krag that's been cut down.

God only knows why they put 1903 front sights on them. That's a pretty terrible sight.

 

[Zullo74]

They put the '03 front sight on the Krags when they sporterize because the '03 front sight is a BETTER FRONT SIGHT!

 

[Jim Watson]

They put '03 front sights on Krags because they (Benicia Armory) had them in the supply system or because they (gunsmiths) could get them a lot cheaper than, say, Lyman.

 

[Zullo74]

....and they are a better front sight than the original Krag super skinny front sight like I originally said!

 

[.45Guy]

That's of course a matter of opinion.

 

[Zullo74]

If you had ever shot both of these rifles, the difference would be obvious to you, and you would agree that the '03 Springfield front site is superior to the Krag front sight. But, like you said, that's just my experienced opinion.

 

[220_Swift]

I guess I am an oddball. I prefer the Krag sight over the '03, hands down.


I believe the real reason '03 sights were used was due to a surplus of cheap, readily available parts. Not becasue they are any better, which is all a matter of personal opinion anyways.

 

[apowell]

Thanks. I've asked him to send me a better pic and any other markings. I'll post it if he sends it.

Adon

 

[Zullo74]

Swifty,

Although you prefer the Krag front sight over the '03 front sight, I believe the real reason that the gunsmiths who sporterized Krags use the '03 front sight is that it is easier to install on the shortened barrel. The '03 front sight is a barrel band assembly and the Krag front sight base is integral (or soldered on) to the barrel. So for better or worse, that's what is done most often. It looks to me that the front sight in question is indeed a Krag front site though. JMEO

 

[.45Guy]

Way to tone it down!

 

[Zullo74]

Thanks, glad you liked it.