Pretty much finished except for more coats of Linseed Oil.

Not Springfield Armory quality, but, better than Bubba.

I can use this "Faux '96 carbine" without guilt of putting wear and tear on a Safe Queen.

No "saddle-ring", but IMHO, they just get in the way, make noise, and weaken the stock.
I leaving the 1903 front-sight, so future collectors know it's a 'parts project' gun.

Knute, thanks for the stock finish video, some useful ideas there.

This was a fun project and (FWIW) shows there is enough wood in a 'duffle-cut' model 1898 stock to make an imitation model 1896 carbine stock.
(The stock I started with was only 29 inches long, so it is a bit off at the forearm tip).

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