How unusual are unmodified versions of the 1912 carbine?  Were many of them converted to 1916s with the larger nosecap?  I can post pics if needed.  Thanks in advance.

Pictures please!!!!
Yes most were updated with an extra band around the nose cap.
I would say uncommon at the least!

Ok, will do this week.  I have a 1916 issue and the 1912.  Will post pics of both.  Thanks in advance.

Ok, here are a few pics of the bandless 1912/1914 and the 1916/1916 model with the band.  After taking pics I think the 1914 might have had a band at some point due to the slight difference in color and handling marks, but I'm not sure of that at all - there's alot of variation in wood and handling marks throughout.  In any event, the wood on the 1914 is really nice and its all matching numbers except the rear sight.  The 1916 is all matching.  I do have many more pics of both on google drive.

Thoughts?

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Very nice rifles!!! It is a little hard to be sure but I don't think the 1912 ever had the reinforcement band. The miss match of the stock and hand guard clouds things a bit though. Still I am envious!!!

Ned,

Thanks.  In person, the 1912 really doesn't look like it had a band.  The pics have a shadow that's imperceptible in person.

Can anyone shed light on the background of 1912/16 carbines and how they ended up/ or didn't end up with bands?  I know why they got them, but not how they selected rifles for the bands.  One would think they would all have them.  A book recommendation would be appreciated.  I'm just really interested in why any of them ended up without bands and how many.

Btw, the 1916 shoots the PRVI partisan 6.5 really well.  I have not and will not shoot the 1912 sans band.  Thanks in advance for any info.