Is my mod 1896 30-40 a carbine or rifle?

[diggerdirect]

Hey all, a newb here hoping to get some opinions.

The serial number on the side is 78466. I have a couple pics of it I just uploaded to the web. The markings on it say
US SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1896 78466

It was my girlfriends grandfathers gun, her father sold it to me back in 1999. From what research I did I notice it is missing a 'saddle ring'? on the side and someone added a recoil pad at some point. Without the recoil pad it is 40" overall length. The sight has a 'C' on it I'm told stood for carbine but another fella who wants it said it is more than likely a cut down rifle? How does one tell?







The barrel does measure 22" and the top wood 7".



I'm told the front ring is from a rifle, that the carbine original would have had a raised bump on top to protect sight when putting in the scabbard, I have no idea who could have changed this and the people who do know are deceased!



Also the recoil pad was added, the original metal butt plate was removed and no where to be found.



I'm going to be listing this along with several other old muskets, ect. in the near future but want to give accurate information in the description. Anything else I could look for or check to ascertain if it is a carbine or cut down rifle?

Thanks for any help!
Al Parker a/k/a diggerdirect

Information

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[chuck in idaho]

Al,
Your Krag is from the second group of `96 carbines made about mid 1897.
The sling and swivals are not original to this carbine. The rubber butt pad will hurt the price a lot also. Some of the stock had to be cut off for that pad to fit.
HTH
cii

[diggerdirect]

Thanks for the info chuck in idaho! ...Al

[VET70]

The sight is worth more than the rest of the piece, around $500.