Sure, makes sense. Well, all that's left is to see how it shoots. I'm only into the rifle for about $750 anyway, snagged a very nice 1917 at the same auction so I'm still happy.
Yep, not quite what I was hoping but I didn't lose any skin. When I run up some ammo I'll see what happens on the range and make a decision then about whether to keep it. I'd like to eventually acquire a rifle and a carbine, see what happens.
I believe you posted another picture of your front-sight, after cleaning things up a bit.
The front base 're-install' looks like a more skillful job than in the first photo. (Still, I believe this to be private restoration work and not original).
BTW - I would be happy with this restored carbine as a 'shooter' and collection piece.
The worst part of the brazing is what you saw in the first pic. The rest looks better, but still nothing like the exemplar. It's definitely it's a cut barrel and reinstalled sight, just as you said at first.
I'd like to keep them all, and might. I think there's room for another safe...plus now Virginia has made it a hassle to sell anything, so it's much easier not to.