jdw; be sure to pass on full range of comments including those taking prudent approach to scrap out barrel. On second thought why isnt owner posting here to get information first hand? its easy to set up account and sign on. first questions he should ask welder is if man will guarantee barrel wont blow, burst or split with normal factory loads not cream puffs? and if the guy has liability insurance for gun barrels? if the answer to any of these is NO then owner knows what to do with the barrel.