All of these weapons are available today at reasonable prices. However, since they are original some care must be used in selecting one. Classified publications such as Shotgun News or the Gun List will often have these weapons for sale. Firearms made before 1898 can be shipped through the mail directly to you. Later weapons can be purchased via a gun-dealer for a service fee. Local gun shows are another source especially as the weapon can be inspected and the price negotiated. It is usually best to go with a buddy who has gone through the process before.

Old guns are rated as poor, fair good, very good, excellent or new. Generally, you would not want a gun in less than good condition while one that is better than excellent may be too good for living history. If you are up to a project, a poor rifle can be had at a bargain price and improved with replacement parts and a new stock. Whatever condition your rifle is in, you must be aware of your obligation to maintain it. This is the best way to protect your investment and safety. Even if it is less than perfect, your weapon has survived for a century in working order, which is probably more than will be said about you when you're 100.

1. 1884 model Springfield Trapdoor rifles in good condition to excellent condition are priced between $450 to $800. 1873 and 1888 models are about $150 to $200 more. 1884 rifles will frequently have 1873 breechblocks and be passed off as the older weapon. The cartouche on the left side of the stock will have the actual date of manufacture which can also be deduced from the serial number. Rifles without cartouche or proof mark have less value regardless of condition.

2. 1898 model Springfiel Krag rifles are the most common and are $400 to $700 in good to excellent condition. 1896's cost about $200 to $300 more as do converted 1892's. Unconverted 1892 Krags are very rare and can cost several thousand. Markings are the same as on the Trapdoor rifles and the same concerns apply.

3. Carbines in both Krags and Trapdoor rifles cost more since fewer were made. Trapdoor carbines will run between $750 to $1500 in good to excellent condition. Krags will start about $600. Replicas of Trapdoor carbines were made by H&R firearms until 1988. These were well made but have no historical value, however some dealers will overprice them. Pederoseli (Italy) just started making replica Trapdoor carbines and rifles, these run just over $1000. Many carbines were made from cut-down rifles or assembled from parts. Because of demand thes guns are often over $500. Many krag rifles were cut-down in the 1920's and some of these are also passed off as carbines and overpriced. Some are fairly priced between $300 and $150. it will cost about $300 to convert a cutdown rifle to an authentic 1896 carbine appearence and a good deal of time. When in doubt check the serial number. Call us for a serial number listing, there is also one on the web search under krag, Springfield.

4. Pistols are very complex matter and buying one should only be done after much comparison. Original 1873 .45 Colts are an object of veneration and can be dramatically priced. Fortunately, there are several reproductions made that are priced between $400 to $500.

Spanish Weapons

The Model 1893 7mm Mauser Rifle was the primary weapon of the Spanish infantry. These rifles fired the advanced rimless 7mm cartridge which was rapidly loaded by means of a 5 round stripper clip. Early '93 Mausers were made by Loewe of Berlin and have the Spanish crest on the receiver ring and may run $250 to $400. Later rifles were made in Spain by Oviedo well into the 20th century and cost $150 to $200. Some '93s have been rechambered for the .308 cartridge but are otherwise unchanged. A short barreled carbine version was used by Spanish cavalry which is distinguished by a front sight flush with the barrel and stock. Although rare, the carbine is priced about the same as the '93 Rifle.

The '91 "Argentine" 7.65 Mauser was used in limited numbers by the Spanish army. This is a handsome rifle with a straight line magazine and a small upper hand-guard. Prices may range up to $400. The .43 Remington Rolling Block was adopted by the Spanish in 1871 and was widely used by the Cuban Loyalist Volunteers, loyalist guerrillas and the Insurrectos. Handsome rifles and usually priced between $400 and $600 however, ammunition is VERY expensive. Remington carbines were used by Loyalist, Insurrecto and Spanish forces. Prices are about the same as the rifles.

Several later model Mausers are very similar to the '93 and are a good substitute. The '95 Chilean 7mm Mauser is almost identical except for minor changes to the bolt and is priced between $150 and $200 in very good condition. The '96 Swedish 6.5mm Mauser is the same pattern but fires different ammo and is priced over $300. Several variations of the '98 Mauser also are 7mm but have a very different pattern and should only be used until a better rifle can be found. Short K98s should never be used.

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