'Marksc' - Someone gouged a lot of wood from your stock in order to 'fit' the unfinished 'left rear-corner' area of your receiver.

BTW - Model 1896 Krag actions were machined pretty much the same as model 1898 actions in that area. In fact a model 1898 action will fit into a model 1896 stock. (However, Springfield did not use this arrangement). A model 1896 Krag will not fit into a model 1898 stock, without alteration, because the receiver is different at the bolt handle 'recess'.

Attached is a photo of a model 1898 stock showing the appearance of the normal receiver inletting.

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