Thanks all and I think you're on to it. Attached are (not the best) pix.

1. The chamber area looks OK or the same as BR, please comment if I'm wrong or missing something.
2. I see no 'P' proof mark anywhere on the barrel...plus...I see lots of 'scars' on the barrel near the chamber as though in a vise or some sort of toothed grip...artifacts of the re-barreling (??).
3. The muzzle crown looks like another '98 Krag I have that was cut to 24.5" while my other two unaltered '96's have a more smooth & rounded muzzle crown that to my untrained eye looks genuine.
4. Agreed on the front sights observations.

Appreciate all the help!

---