I have a question, I've been trying to learn as much as I can about a springfield model 1898, Ive done some reading and it seems to be "sporterized" but It is still a beautiful rifle.  One thing I can't seem to figure out is the side door on mine opens swinging forward rather than down as in the other ones I've seen online.  I did find (i think) a denmark version that had the door swing forward, but that wouldn't be a springfield correct?  the serial # is 401### so it should be 1903.  Any help on the side door would be great.  I'll get some pix and load them tomorrow.
Blessings.  James