This is my first Model 1896 and I believe I made a good deal.  It is a Rifle with serial number 640XX.  The barrel has fine blueing with a line of mild rust where the stock and handguard meet.  The action shows very little case hardening.  The stock is a question mark.  It does not have an inspector mark on the side.  It has a circle P an inch near the trigger guard.  It also has another mark, about 1/4 inch from the trigger guard that is hard to figure out.  It is about 1/8 inch wide and may be two numbers or something like the letter R or B. I would expect this means a replacement stock on a rifle that was proofed.

The stock is really sticky filthy.  Does this have the 1903/Garand BLO finish?  If it does I will clean and finish it.

The bore is actually much nicer that I thought.  It is a dull bright with very visable lands and grooves.  All I have done is run a dry patch through it.

I paid $550.00. 

Does this seem reasonable?

When was it made?

Any comments would be appreciated. 

I'm 70 so I can take it if I have a dog.