Tinker,

Yes I agree that a proper sleeving job, whether it involved TIG welding or just a very tight tolerance fit up like Searcy apparently uses, would involve diasembling the ribs and probably the sleeving itself. But It isn't that expensive, imo, when compared to what you have - as illustrated in the photos - and what you would have without the usightly gap and cheesy cover up engraving.

But I still wonder what your opinion is regarding whether the heating of the barrels in relaying the ribs, or other heat up, might do to alleviate any of the srtess issues you refer to. And I also wonder what those who TID barrels regylarly do to overcome any issues, if any.

JPK