Guess we'll just have to wait for "the reveal" (or not).

FWIW, my money is on not, to say nothing of not putting a great deal of faith in "ranges", which could be applied to almost any gun, if you stretch far enough.

KCA Member? .... I don't see any feet I recognize.

It would have been a more interesting entry if the Poster gave a serial number and used a better photo.

It does sound like he is making some 'wishful assumptions'.

I wonder if the "R.M.A." marking was for a military academy?

There is a neat Colt Forum response to the carbine post, today, showing clear pictures of a Spanish model 1891 Mauser (Argentine type) that possibly went to Cuba, was captured, and sold through Bannerman's.

IIRC - The surrender terms for Spanish forces in Cuba was with "Honors of War". The Spanish land forces largely retained their Arms and Colors, and returned with them to Spain.

Most of the 'captured arms', that arrived in the U.S., came off of captured Spanish ships.

Some of the Spanish ammo fired at U.S. forces was 7.65mm Mauser, rather than 7mm. (Talk about a logistics headache for both sides).

Spanish: .43 Spanish, .43 Reformondo, 7mm Mauser, 7.65 Mauser.

U.S. Forces: 6mm USN, 7mm Mauser (private purchase Colt M-1895 machine guns), .30-40, .45/70.

The model 1896 carbine owned by 'GRI' is #78620.

That number is not in SRS data. Actually, the closest listed carbines are 78618 (96C - 07/15/22 Raritan Arsenal sold) & 78627 (96C - 1899 Troop A 1st Nevada Vol. Cavalry).

There are also rifles in very close proximity to #78620.

Perhaps 'GRI' is mixing up units: 1st Nevada Vol. Cavalry with U.S. 1st Volunteer Cavalry or U.S. 1st (Regular) Cavalry.

Regulars and Volunteers did not own their Krags and did not carve initials and numbers into Government Property.

Without a direct ID & match, there is no way to know if this carbine was on San Juan or Kettle Hill.