I apologize for not getting back sooner. I got laid off from my job Monday, and have been dealing with that.

'Whig', I paid $459.03 for it after the 20% discount. Believe me, I was not going to leave it there, even if I had to eat ramen noodles for a month! Haha! I also checked the front screw, and it was tight. Yes, it is a little proud, but it is secure. I'm definitely going to find a professional who will fix the hand guard and stock. It's to nice of a rifle to half-arse a repair job like that.

I'm trying to remember if I read correctly about the magazine cutoff. I checked mine, and when the cutoff is down, the bolt will pick up a cartridge, but in the up position it blocks the rounds. I thought it was the other way around in the 1896 model. Unless, it was one piece that was updated. Anyhow, thanks guys. I'm excited about this carbine, and am looking forward to shooting it some.