If you like it, that's all that counts. It appears to be a loose rendition, that lacks some attributes, but has others. The shorter barrel, trigger guard, and lock panel, tend to make it look more like a Leman, than a Carolina gun, which is too vague a description. Without a tie to a maker, or particular region in the Carolinas, it really can't even be considered one. I'd just call it in the style of a Southern rifle. It's a good starting point for you to learn from.
Bill