Regarding the barrel band, just looking at it quickly, it seems like with the forearm being smaller/narrower forward of the band, it wouldn't fit there (too big of diameter) without the top wood?

This rifle will definitely be shot again by the weekend!  It's sat in the back of the previous owner's safe(told me he got it from his father in law) for 25 years, so it's begging to be used again.

Thank you both for your input. 

One last thing - This just popped up on a local forum: 
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I just sent the guy a message asking if he will ship. I'd like to have one box for my stepdad for the novelty/vintage factor.  Does this stuff have any value for Krag collectors?  If so, and if the guy on that forum is willing to ship, I will gladly buy all three boxes, and ship two out to one or two members here for actual cost + shipping.  If not, that seems about the going rate for new ammo, so the other boxes might just get shot.