Another 1898 Carbine (?)
Some more forum fodder--In addition to the 1899 I recently got that came in an 03 stock, I also got this carbine (S/N 119569):
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/121703...al-bolt-action
It looked like a decent 1899 carbine stock (with aftermarket sling swivels, but it’s not too badly butchered), with what looked like a correct length carbine barrel and front band with, at least, a correct front sight base. Even though it’s dovetailed for the Marbles rear sight, I think a proper rear sight and handguard would cover it. Since I’m not much of a hard-core collector (more of an accumulator), I think it would make a good representative piece.
After looking it over, now I’m wondering if it may be one of the fabled 5000 real 1898 carbines. Aside from the rear sight, the barrel is the correct 22â€, and the index marks on the barrel/receiver match with the “P†stamp on the barrel. I think the barrel was probably removed at some point to add the dovetail, but I don’t see any gorilla marks (vise or pipe-wrench). After looking more closely at the front sight, even though it was filed down to work better with the rear sight (I’m assuming), it does appear to have a small “C†stamped on the side.
http://imageshack.us/a/img838/7184/fx8k.jpg
There are also a bunch of seemingly random letter stamps at the front underside of the receiver and on the loading gate (inspection/refurb?):
The stock appears to be an 1899 replacement, with no evidence of sanding, and no inspection marks or proof “P†behind the trigger guard.
I know that it could never be proven for sure (unless it hit in the SRS or other documents are found) so I’m looking at it as an "1898 Carbine*", with the asterisk denoting that it’s within the serial number range of known carbines with a couple of carbine features, and no positive ID as one of the 5000. It’ll probably be a fun shooter, though.
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Originally Posted by psteinmayer
