well if it is a less expensive gun its a good one to learn on.i would think that taking care of the mechcanical problems would be the first thing to do. dovtailing a piece in to the hook isnt that hard to do.i have never soldered the piece in place,a 3/16 wide x .050 deep dovetail. and a piece out of mild steel is all you need and just think you will know how to fix a more valuble gun next time.