Thanks for the info, so far everyone is saying it is a cut down rifle as the serial number puts it in 1903 production, but it is marked as a model 1898. They have said that it should be marled model 1899. Is there any sure fire method to check this. I know the collector I got it from has had it for years and he thought it was a real one.
Mike

I'll get it next week and can take pictures then. The bore is not so great but may clean up OK.