03 Stock Hardware Question

[John Beard]

Mr. Beard

I'm guessing that the grain patterns on the bands would look different from the two methods. Is it possible for you to post photos of the two makers bands for us to see?

Mike George

I regret that I am unable to post the photos you seek.

J.B.

[Fred]

I sure as heck don't know what to look for.

[robh5]

I sure as heck don't know what to look for.

^^^^^
Me too.
Any way to describe what to look for between die-forged, and forge welded?

[louis]

I'm not sure there is anything to look for. The difference in the two techniques are weld forge are two pieces of metal heated and forged together and shaped whereas the die forge is one piece of metal heated and forged into shape. From there I couldn't tell you any more except that maybe you can see a line but I doubt it.

[ElWoodman]

....Unless it has no "H", but does have an "R" on the side.......

[MikeS]

I am not a big poster on the forums and by far am no expert. With Ricks photos that he posted it appears quite clear to me the difference as the SA upper band has a much more grainy type finish almost as if it was sand blasted where as the RIA upper band has a much smoother finish. I don't know if RIA's method was much harder or easier but it appears to be much nicer and that more care or time was taken in the fabrication process.

Great Post,

Mike