i need a show of hands and pics if possible

[markasaurus]

I put mine because I want as many metal pieces as possible.  I still don't know when i am going to bite the bullet and get the aluminum barrel band from bluefork.  Michael chavka sells them too but he just raised his prices. 
I saw some stainless steel hose clamps at harborfreight and thought these might make dandy barrel straps, you'd only need one or two.  The clamping part is very small compared to say a hose clamp and I would paint them black if i used them. 

There's no reason to automatically buy the expensive metal barrel band right away if you can't.  The plastic barrel band holds the stock barrel fine.  If you want a stronger one with a screw, mellonair has inexpensive plastic ones for Crosman 2289, that will work plus you can then change the barrel length to any that you want.  Plus Mellonair only charges $2 shipping.

http://mellonair.myfreesites.net/index.php?p=1_14_Barrel-Bands

 

[plasticclassic]

There's nothing wrong with shooting it as is, and buying stuff as you can afford. Patience is a virtue as the saying goes.............. looking good already 

[plasticclassic]

That is a really sharp looking pistol!   Just a few tasteful brass accents.   Very nice. 

Thanks jdub