With U.S. Krags, there are often multiple "correct" answers.

My 1899 carbine is a "Deer Rifle", I rescued. It also dates from around September, 1901, (349XXX - Serial Number).

I restored it with the original parts, that I could get.

When first manufactured at Springfield, it likely had the 'rifle type' 1901 hand-guard.

IIRC - The 1901 carbine-sight was adopted in August, 1901. The 'protective' hand-guards showed up around April, 1902.

Krag carbines were subject to field repairs and Armory/Arsenal refurbishment. "Updates" likely happened, if a carbine was sent back to these facilities.

The way something was first assembled and the way it left the service can be quite different.