jmoore,
The gas system is tight and shimmed correctly. What does "band tension" refer to?

I decided to go ahead and relieve my USGI stock this evening. I went with the stock instead of the handguard as it was much easier with the tools and skills I have and can be touched up with paint. I sanded it evenly from approximately abeam the op rod guide to the tip. I also had to grind down the stock end cap a bit. It now has space between the stock and the handguard full length. It also has the 3-5 pounds of tension at the lip on the front band that you mentioned and can be deflected upwards approximately 2 mm before it contacts the handguard.

Now to get out to the range and see the results.

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

Steve