Man, am I glad I joined this group.  It is for sure a Model 1896.  I still wasn't sure, but my wife says it is definitely a 6.  It has the index mark on the receiver, but no corresponding mark on the barrel. Also I can't see a P on the barrel, though the barrel has been buffed some.  The receiver has not been buffed.  Next to the index mark there is something that might be a P, but if so, it was struck worse than the Model number.  :)

So maybe it is a 1903 barrel.  Anyhow, I am infinitely wiser about this rifle than I was yesterday.  Thanks again to all of you for the great information and great photos.

Newt