Thanks for the pointers! If fabric electrical tape inside the top of the front band works, then it will made life ever so much easier. I reckon that if the system has good repeatability, then it doesn't matter if it's different from that used by other weapons types. I may get another band to mod, even though this rifle isn't much of a collector's prize. I don't like making permanent changes if possible.

As far as costs go, it seems that I bought more cool and interesting stuff back when i didn't have much money at all. (Fortunately, I have managed to hang onto some of the old buys and swaps.) Now, it's hard to find even plain vanilla rifles that are worth having, unless you are willing to do the internet auction madness, and rely on a few usually less than optimal or detailed photos.