Early 98s are my favorite rifles
as I really like the simple 1896 sight, but prefer the look of the square box magazine. I have a couple of first year 1898s...one is is in very high condition with sharp catouches, but unfortunately has 1902 sight and handguard. Sling is marked PA NG, most of the Army rifles had the 1902 sights tossed and reverted to the 1901 sight. If anybody has a mint 96 handguard and rear sight to sell / trade let me know :D. These guns really are just about the absolute zenith of quality when it comes to military weaponry. Its hard to believe in this day and age of stampings and aluminum that these were considered general issue battlefield expendables.