I recently purchased a nice 1897 from Collector's Firearms. It was without a magazine and had an incorrect ramrod made from what appears to be a cut-down 50/70 rod. I purchased a magazine from S&S but it turned out to be for the longer .43 Spanish cartridge. I did find a proper magazine in comparable condition to the rifle but it set me back $300. I also found a bayonet for it but no scabbard. The bayonet is 24" overall so its longer than a trapdoor bayonet. This makes since since the rifle is shorter by about the same amount. I purchased a repro 1855 R-L ramrod from S&S. It is perfect, or will be once it's been shortened about 3" to 3-1/4". I also have a R-L cartridge belt that I suspect is a for a model 1899. I've installed an early trapdoor sling on it but it is too long to draw up tight. I have a couple of questions:
Does anyone know what sling the Navy used on these rifles?
Does anyone know where I can get good a book covering these rifles and accessories?
Thanks