Drug the other 2 of my 1898s (1 rifle, 1 carfle) out of the back of the safe since they were due for their annual BLO bath.  I had to examine both the sideplates since I had them out.  Surprisingly enough, none of them would feed the 2nd round when mounted on the 1896.

Also mic'd them and all were pretty much the same. But I didn't have any doubts the information already received wasn't right.  But what else do you do when you're trying to learn?  Where exactly is the 96 sideplate thinner than the 98 sideplate?

Surprisingly, the spring tension on these two was greater than on the 96 and the first 98 rifle I compared it to.

Thanks.....