Thanks butlersrangers - that's helpful.  It does look from that as if they are just a basic part of a circle - the nickels show that. 

I know whatever I do won't be ideal, but perhaps I can "do it right" some day. 

BTW I don't know who made the handguard, but I believe it's one of the type I've seen mentioned that didn't come with the bands.  Boyd's was it?