Devildog,

It would help knowing which handguard is on your rifle?

From left to right in picture:
Model 1896 (used with M1892, M1896 rifle & carbine rear sights)
Model 1899 (used with M1896 carbine rear sights)
Model 1898 (used with 1898 & M1902 rifle and carbine rear sights)
Model 1901 (used with M1901 rifle & carbine rear sights)
Model 1902 (used with M1901 carbine rear sights)

Keep in mind handguards have their own model disignations and it DOES NOT always match the rear sight they go with.

Which combination goes on a rifle/carbine depends on the serial number and/or when and to whom it was issued to and that's a whole other story!

Hope this helps
Chuck