There are three places where the serial numbers up to a certain serial number were stamped aside from the receiver.  The side plate, the loading gate and one other hard to remove piece.

Yes the 1894 rear sight would be correct when new.  HOWEVER.  However the Arsenal was dinking with different powders in the mid 90s and changed rifle sights under IRAN (Inspect, Repair as neccessary) and other insanities of the period.  your 96 sight is probably correct from Springfield given the look of your gun.  I would not change any thing on it.

And at 37 dollars they ain't that rare.


Take it from a certain pinhead who tried to make rifles correct.  It is futile.  :( I am not sure if the screws are the same for both sights.

How did you come about this rifle?  Have you checked and shot it?


culpeper