I'd still suggest less info in a chart. You could have the ending with a line labeled "notes" that could have markings, place seen, damage, etc listed but I think more people would like to just input info like Sn, rifle, carbine, configuration and other info on the "notes" line.

I think rear sight might be good to know with regard to rarer sights and carbines. When I see an 1896 Krag carbine, the first thing I want to check is the rear sight to see if it is an M1896 carbine sight. There are so many out there without the carbine sight. When we examine an M1898 rifle or carbine made in the Aug. 1899 to March 1900 period, we would like to know if it is still wearing an original M98 sight or a M1901 or M1902 sight.