If you decide to do this yourself, remember to use a welder who is very proficient in precision welding. Years ago, I decided to ask a co-worker who was certified to weld on nuclear reactors to TIG weld a hammer for me, figuring he had to be very good. He wasn't, and I ended up re-doing it myself. And filing/stoning the welded hook is also a job requiring careful work and precision. You want to make your cuts as perfectly square as possible to perfectly mate up with the pin which is why builder recommended using an oil lamp to smoke fit the hook. A close fit that is only bearing on a couple points is going to get loose again rather quickly. You may do very well on your first try, but I myself would be reluctant to practice on anything but a low quality junker. Too many good guns get screwed up by well meaning people who bite off more than they are prepared to chew.
