So from what I've researched, it went something like this:

Since their introduction, beavertail lugs went from being heavier (thicker construction?) with felts and springs, to eventually becoming failry light with no felt or even springs (CBS era). Also, I believe the later makes had more of a "scalloped" forend.

My question is this: Are the later, lighter models with springs and a scalloped forend more prone to cracks/breakage? These are the lugs I currently have, and will need to be replacing a bunch that have started to split/crack. Are the earlier, cleveland era lugs sturdier?

Seems like the earlier models tend to go for a lot more money, and I'd like to know if it's worth the extra cash (like the difference between machined or cast collets), or if the difference is really just "six of one and half a dozen of the other."

I have a 9/72 fullerton kit, and I'm not really concerned about being super "period correct" about things.

Thanks all!

-P