JOHN42768 wrote on May 4^th, 2012 at 6:46pm:

Hi Desmoed, You have stated that you know it has a rear sight is for the rifle. We know it is a 1896. Take a cleaning rod and measure the barrel from the crown to the head of the bolt. Barrel should be crowned not flat and exactly 22". Measure the dia. at the muzzle. I've got to measure one of mine to be sure. The length of stock in front of the band appears to be longer then it should be, but could be the photo. Check the front of the stock to see if any plugs are present. If a cut down stock it would have to be filled. I'm sure others who have more knowledge will join in. Take a look at the post carbine candy and carbine candy #2 to compare to yours. Top one is the '96. Looks very nice. You may have lucked out. John

Mucho thanks  :)

The barrel is exactly 22 in long with a factory crown

That one photo showing the forend came out weird due to the angle - in the photo it appears curved and longer than actual

The stock extends 3.5 in from the barrel band forward. No plug indicating a cut down rifle stock as well.