I wish to thank 'Knute1' for locating and mentioning the "1895 Report" as being viewable online.

IMHO - Some possible conclusions from the material in the 1895 Report:

By June 30, 1895, 14,491 new magazine rifles had been manufactured. Some of these rifles had been issued, (to the Engineer Battalion, and all the U.S. Infantry and Artillery Regiments).

The jealous Cavalry were waiting.

The rifles were, likely considered, "U.S. magazine rifle, model 1892", with up to four minor changes (involving a change to the safety lever and its pin location, magazine cut-off lever construction, change to a straight ejector pin, and discontinuing the 'bluing' of parts of the bayonet). Minor stuff that had little impact on interchangeability.

Twelve more changes had been decided upon and "were to be gradually introduced". These were regarded "improvements" to correct flaws and weaknesses. (At some point in the change process, the improved rifles are best called "Magazine Rifles". Some changes would become pretty significant and might compromise interchangeability).

A Magazine Carbine, Caliber .30, was accepted and about to be manufactured. (This would be a good logical term or nomenclature for carbines made prior to the "U.S. model 1896" marking).

(Significantly, in the "decided changes", there is no mention of the bolt 'hold open' pin and receiver 'notch' that would be part of the future U.S. model 1896, magazine rifle. Also, 'change #10', reversing the function of the magazine cut-off lever, would not take place for years)!

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