I certainly think it is a real carbine, and a nice-looking one at that - only question would be that it seems to have an 1898C base with a 1902 leaf. The 1902C base is flush with the leaf when down - only the 98C base, out of the whole series, goes below. Good news: 98C bases are rare - IF you want to, you'll probably be able to make an advantageous  swap. Or, just put a 98/02 altered leaf on it, though that wouldn't make it "right". More good news: all of the above would be totally reversible if you changed your mind. Enjoy!