Hello! Thanks to all who responded to my Springfield Model 1873 questions. Your responses aided me greatly. I have one more question about this rifle. Can one tell if a gun is a rifle or a carbine by measuring the barrel length? If so, the length of the barrel in question is 20.5 inches from the front of the chamber to the muzzle. Does this length make it a carbine? I realize that this is somewhat of a detailed question, but it never hurts to try! Thanks a million, Becky Hackman