Rob,
I actually come up with a manufacture date of 1941. But, some of the dates are incorrect from the commonly used data. A serial number search from the Cody Firearms Museum is the best way to be sure. The 1894 was definitely made in the carbine configuration but your description of long fore end isn't familiar to me. If you could clarify or better yet send some photos that would be great.
This post might help out.
http://www.gunvaluesboard.com/why-i-need-photos-
254864.html#25490
Let me know
2bit