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.